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A History Outing: Seodaemun Prison History Hall and Dongnimmun

See modern-history exhibitions at Seodaemun Prison History Hall, then walk to Dongnimmun and Independence Park. The displays cover imprisonment, torture and execution, so first consider whether children or your companions are comfortable with the content.

Red-brick prison walls and barred windows at Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Red-brick prison walls and barred windows at Seodaemun Prison History Hall · Seoul Tourism Organization / 서울관광재단 · KOGL Type 1 · Red-brick prison walls and barred windows at Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Visit in This Order

  • Seodaemun Prison History Hall — Choose exhibition content and areas first, and leave time for breaks.
  • Dongnimmun — Read the gate's explanation and historical context. It is not presented as a building you can enter.
  • Seodaemun Independence Park — Finish by resting in part of the park according to your energy and the weather.
Dongnimmun's name plaque, stone arch and nearby park walking path
Dongnimmun's name plaque, stone arch and nearby park walking path · Flingsun · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dongnimmun's name plaque, stone arch and nearby park walking path · Photographed 2015-08-09

How Much Walking Is Involved in Each Section?

The times and distances below are map-route records checked in the source. Allow separate time for visits, queues and meals. Actual walking distance changes if your starting or finishing point changes.

Opening Hours and Bookings

Seodaemun Prison History Hall: March–October, 09:30–18:00; November–February, 09:30–17:00; last admission 30 minutes before closing. Closed on Mondays (the following day if a public holiday), January 1, Seollal and Chuseok. Exact opening hours for every area of Independence Park have not been confirmed, and the history hall's hours are not applied to the park.

On-site payment and ticketing information for ordinary individual visits was checked. Groups of 20 or more book through the website; guided visits, education and programs have separate application conditions.

This suggests half a day for selected exhibitions and rest in the park. Actual time varies with your visiting pace and queues.

You Can Adjust the Plan to Your Time and Interests

  • Seodaemun Prison History Hall → Dongnimmun → Part of Independence Park

Things to Know Before Setting Out

  • Choose a different theme if war, torture or imprisonment exhibitions make you uncomfortable.
  • Outdoor travel between buildings and step-free access to every exhibition room have not been verified.

Official information and sources

Check official information for bookings, operating hours and event schedules on your visit date.