[2025 Seoul Attraction] Travel Guide for Seodaemun Prison History Hall (Updated May)

Seodaemon Prison, located in Seodaemon District, Seoul, is a prison built by the Japanese colonial government. It was the first modern prison on the Korean Peninsula. This historic building has witnessed a tragic history. During the Japanese imperial dictatorship, this place was used as a prison to imprison Korean national democratization activists. At that time, the Japanese imperial regime carried out inhumane torture on prisoners in Seodaemon Prison in order to suppress the democratization movement. Many prisoners were tortured and died in Seodaemun Prison. Among them was the famous democratization activist Ryu Kwan-soon. Today, Seodaemon Prison is no longer used as a prison, but as a history museum for citizens and tourists to learn about its tragic history. Visitors entering Seodaemun Prison can clearly see the former prison cells and execution sites. There are models in the museum showing how Japanese imperial officers tortured prisoners at that time. In summary, Seodaemon Prison History Museum is a place worth visiting. If you are interested in Korean history, then I recommend visiting the Seodaemon Prison History Museum during your visit to Korea. I believe you will have a deeper understanding of Korean history after your visit. #Japanese and Korean urban attractions

Seodaemun Prison, which I visited with my children on Liberation Day. I was surprised by the large crowd, but the children also realized that it was a place with deep meaning on Liberation Day. The children were shocked by the torture methods used at the time and were shocked again by the poor prison conditions. I came away feeling deeply grateful to the independence activists. . 📍Seodaemun Prison 🔹️Seoul Seodaemun-gu Tongil-ro 251 Seodaemun Prison History Museum 🔹️Opening hours 8:30-18:00 🔹️Free admission during Liberation Day . . #SeoulTravel #SeoulPicnic #SeodaemunPrisonHistoryMuseum

Seodaemun Prison, located at Exit 5 of Dongnimmun Station, is a place where you can feel gratitude and appreciation for independence activists with your children. The children naturally became awed while looking at the interrogation room and torture room in the basement of the history museum. It is a place where you can feel the preciousness of the country after experiencing prison. 📍Seodaemun Prison 🔹️Seoul Seodaemun-gu Tongil-ro 251 Seodaemun Prison History Museum 🔹️Opening hours 8:30-18:00 🔹️Free admission during Liberation Day . . #SeoulTravel #SeoulPicnic #SeodaemunPrisonHistoryMuseum

Seodaemun Prison, visited with children to celebrate Liberation Day. Admission is free during this period. However, there were so many visitors that we had to wait in line for about 50 minutes to enter the Seodaemun Prison History Museum. ㅠㅠ Still, it was a meaningful outing, and I was deeply moved by the meaning of Liberation Day with my children. 📍Seodaemun Prison 🔹️Seoul Seodaemun-gu Tongil-ro 251 Seodaemun Prison History Museum 🔹️Opening hours 8:30-18:00 🔹️Free admission during Liberation Day . . #SeoulTravel #SeoulOuting #SeodaemunPrisonHistoryMuseum

We declare today Joseon is an independent nation and the Korean people are the masters of this nation - From the March 1st Independence Declaration I visited Seodaemun Prison on March 1st🇰🇷 I visited it because it was free on March 1st! 🇰🇷 Seodaemun Prison ✔️ 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Seodaemun Prison History Museum 💰 General admission 3,000 won Youth and military 1,500 won Children 1,000 won (Free for those 65 years old or older, 6 years old or younger, disabled, and national heroes) #SeodaemunPrison

🎈Seodaemun Prison 📍 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Seodaemun Prison History Museum ⏰ 9:30-18:00 every day (March-October) 🚘 Parking available ✔️ A must-visit place ✔️ Detailed explanations are written in a museum format, making it easy to understand ✔️ Many spaces have been restored ✔️ Torture chambers and prisons can be viewed ✔️ Wall-type solitary confinement experience available ✔️ I was moved for no reason by the place that holds our country's painful history 🥲 #SummerIsSummer #Seoul #SeoulTravel

The Sedaemun Prison History Hall is a Museum where we can learn some of the incidents that happened 100 years ago in Korea, when it was a Japanese colony and citizens were fighting for their freedom. In this prison many korean citizens lost their lives and thanks to reenactments and the permanent exhibitions in its different halls we can be immersed in that period of time and understand more how Koreans lived and what they suffered. Tip: easy to arrive by subway, just stop at the Seodaemun station (line 5), and you’ll be practically in front of it. #merrychristmas #historicallandmarks #merrychristmas

A visit to the Seodaemun Prison History Museum in Seoul, South Korea is a sobering experience. Originally used to imprison resistance fighters during the Japanese occupation, the prison still has an eerie feel that makes visitors feel uneasy today. Every cell and every wall seems to whisper about the deeply buried painful history. Walking through the narrow corridors of this prison, one can even feel the struggles of former prisoners and their desire for freedom. The resistance movement figures and precious historical materials exhibited in the museum inspire us to reflect on the past and cherish our present freedom. Through this journey, we not only learned about that dark history, but also strengthened our understanding of the importance of defending peace and freedom. #Seoul Attractions

#Seoul Itinerary Seodaemun District, as an important historical and cultural area in Seoul, attracts tourists with its profound historical background and unique cultural charm. Here, history and modernity intertwine, allowing people to gain an in-depth understanding of Korea's past in just one day. The first stop of the day trip is Seodaemun Independence Park, which was originally the Seodaemun Prison during the Japanese colonial period. It is now a place to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country. Walking in the park, you can feel the strong historical atmosphere. The monuments and sculptures tell visitors about that difficult history. Next, head to the surrounding cultural street, where there are many cafes and art shops offering exquisite Korean desserts and coffee, allowing you to savor the local flavor in a leisurely environment. In the afternoon, you can visit the Seodaemun History Museum, which displays the historical changes of the Seodaemun District and Korea’s cultural heritage, giving people a deeper understanding of the area. Finally, why not end your day by sampling some authentic snacks such as spicy rice cakes and Korean cookies at the nearby traditional market? A one-day historical tour of Seodaemun will not only allow you to feel the richness of culture, but also allow you to experience the tenacity and hope of the Korean people. #西大门 #历史旅游 #SEOUL一天之旅 #文化之旅 #韩国历史 #独立公园 #美食探 #传统市场 #韩式甜品 #旅游推荐

#SeoulItinerary If you are planning to travel to Seoul, the Discover Seoul Pass will be your indispensable travel companion. Not only does this card give you free entry to over 70 major attractions, but it also offers over 200 benefits, adding even more value to your trip. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : This tour not only provides a rich cultural experience, but also ensures that you make the most of every moment. I hope this guide can make your trip to Seoul full of surprises and unforgettable memories! #Seoul

In the early morning, I arrived at Seodaemun Prison, a building that records the indomitable spirit of resistance in Korea's modern history. Walking into the exhibition hall, I felt as if I was transported back to those turbulent times. The old photos on the walls and the restored scenes in the cells silently tell the stories of the sacrifices and courage of national heroes. The most shocking part was the underground interrogation room, where the dark and stern space made me deeply feel the cruelty and tragedy of those years. After the visit, I walked to the nearby Independence Park, reflecting on the preciousness of freedom under the sunlight. In the afternoon, I headed to the Hongdae area, exploring the small shops and street performances that blend creativity and youthful energy, adding a touch of lightness to the day's heavy historical atmosphere. On the second day, I chose to experience another side of Seoul. In the morning, I went to Bukchon Hanok Village, wandering through the ancient alleys and appreciating the traditional beauty and serene atmosphere of the Hanok. In the afternoon, I arrived at Insadong, feeling the artistic vibe and unique cultural charm of the area, and picked up some handicrafts as souvenirs. In the evening, I returned to Gwanghwamun Square, gazing at the simplicity and grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace from a distance. The sight of this city perfectly balancing history and modernity filled me with awe.

When it was first built, the red brick fortress was called Gyeongseong Prison, and it was the first modern prison on the Korean Peninsula. During the Japanese annexation period, more than 3,000 prisoners were held here, most of whom were anti-Japanese independence activists. Because of overcrowding, another prison was built in Mapo in 1912, using the name of the Gyeongseong Prison, and this place was renamed Seodaemun Prison. The temperature in Seoul has been still below 2 or 3 degrees Celsius during the day these days, and it is even more bone-chillingly cold once you enter Seodaemun Prison. The main building recreates the Japanese Empire period, when in order to purge independence activists, they used water torture, needles piercing their fingers, or locking them in a needle box and shaking them to extract confessions. Wax figures are used to recreate the disasters that Korea suffered during its turbulent modern times. Projections were also used to tell the stories of the victims who were brutally hanged. The information cards of prisoners left behind at that time are combined into three huge walls. The pain of history is displayed in the exhibition hall so that future generations can remember history. In order to convey messages, they would knock on the wall like Morse code, for fear of being discovered by the prison guards. The small, dark prison cell carries the heavy history of South Korea. Seven buildings were preserved, including three prisons and the execution house, which were listed as historical monuments. According to official data, not only were death row inmates from Seodaemon Prison executed here, but all death row inmates from the entire Korean Peninsula also ended their lives here. At that time, there was a fear that the news would leak out and cause greater resistance, so a channel was built to transport the bodies out secretly. There is a "weeping tree" outside the execution room. After it fell down due to the typhoon, new trees grew from its roots, as if reminding people of this dark history. South Korea is now about to celebrate the 106th anniversary of the March 1st Movement. Surprisingly, there are a lot of people visiting the prison, most of them are parents bringing their children to visit, which has profound educational significance. On the contrary, there are relatively few foreign tourists. If you come, you can arrange it together with Independence Park and Independence Gate. 📍Address: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea Subway Line 3, Independence Gate Station, Exit 5 #2月好地方2025

This time, I will introduce a museum in Seoul. This place allows you to deeply understand the history between Japan and Korea, and it was actually a police station where Koreans were imprisoned by Japanese people. For those who are interested in old history or are curious, this is a must-visit place where you can learn a lot about what happened, including many brutal events. It was very educational. Please visit at least once. Seodaemun Prison History Hall 서대문형무소역사관 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

#themepark Excellent museum with many displays and plenty of material to read. I had no problem spending the whole morning here. It is a grim period of history, and this museum details not only the barbaric treatment of Korean prisoners but their struggle for freedom and independence from Japanese imperialism. Overall, this site has a lot of interesting facts and stories written on signs throughout the place. It‘s one of those places that feature gruesome and disturbing facts, but it needs to be remembered to help avoid these things in the future.

#koreatrip Fight for Freedom. Today, March 1st, celebrates Korea’s movement for independence, known as “Samiljeol” in Korean, during the Japanese colonial period in 1919. On this somber yet commemorative day, you’ll notice the 𝑡𝑎𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑢𝑘𝑔𝑖, or the Korean flag, waving proudly everywhere throughout Seoul and across the country. And one of the best ways to actively get out there and pay respect while learning about some of the country’s history is a visit to the Seodaemun Prison History Hall. It serves as a reminder of the heartache, loss, and sacrifice that was undergone by Yu Gwansun, Ahn Jung-geun, Kim Gu, and several other courageous Korean independence activists that fought for their country’s sovereignty and freedom from Japanese occupation. So, take a little time out of your day and reflect back on those that fought for Korea’s freedom 104 years

#koreatrip The prison was used during the Japanese colonial period to imprison Korean liberation activists, and could originally hold around 500 inmates. It had a separate facility for women and young girls. In 1911, Kim Koo was imprisoned. He was one of the more important figures in the Korean liberation movement. In 1919, shortly after the March 1st Movement, the number of imprisoned increased drastically. About three thousand liberation activists were imprisoned,[3] and shortly before the colonization ended in 1945, the number of prisoners was at 2980. Among imprisoned after the March 1 Movement was Ryu Gwansun, who died from the torture inflicted on her. After the colonial era ended in 1945 as part of the surrender of Japan in World War II, the prison was used by the South Korean government, and was known by various official names, including Seoul Prison until 1961, Seoul Correctional Institute until 1967 and Seoul Detention Center until its closure in 1987. It was replaced by a facility in Uiwang City, Gyeonggi Province. In 1992, the site was dedicated as the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, part of Seodaemun Independence Park. Seven of the prison complex's original fifteen buildings are preserved as historical monuments. The History Hall showcases all those imprisoned during the Japanese colonial period and continues to serve as a memorial hall. During a visit to Seodaemun in August 2015, former Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama knelt in front of a memorial stone as an expression of apology for Japanese war crimes in World War

#Seoul Itinerary If you come to Seoul, don't miss the historic Seodaemun Prison! This is not only a witness to Korean history, but also an important place to understand the past. Let's embark on this emotional journey together! ✨ From the city center, you can take the subway to Independence Gate Station and walk about 10 minutes to Seodaemun Prison. Seodaemon Prison History Museum: 10:00 - 18:00 (last admission 17:00) As soon as you enter Seodaemun Prison, you will be struck by the solemn atmosphere of this historical building. This was once a prison during the Japanese colonial period, and many independence activists suffered here. The exhibitions in the museum vividly reproduce the past history, making people think about those difficult years. Here you can visit several exhibition areas, including the original prison cells and interrogation rooms, which have been remarkably well preserved. Carefully reading the text on the display boards will give you a deeper understanding of Korean history. Every corner is full of stories and emotions, making people feel the heaviness of that history. After visiting Seodaemon Prison, there are many restaurants to choose from nearby. The food here is very delicious and the prices are quite reasonable, allowing you to experience the local customs and culture while enjoying the food. After dinner, we suggest you head to Hongdae, a gathering place for young people with many interesting coffee shops and independent designer stores. You can roam around here and feel the energy and creativity of Seoul. Finally, you can enjoy dinner in Hongdae, where there are many popular restaurants. After dinner, you can feel the night of Seoul, with bright lights and crowded streets, which will make you feel the charm of this city. This day's itinerary is full of history, culture, and food. Whether you are traveling alone or with friends, Seodaemon Prison will be an important stop for you to learn about Korean history. I hope you can gain a lot of memories and touching moments during this journey! Come share your travel stories! 🌏💖 #seoul#westgate

This is a prison that was notorious among independence activists who fought against Japan for a very long time. It is located near Seodaemun Independence Gate. The prison remains intact to this day. It is used as a history museum to remember the history of that time. You can see the evil acts committed by the Japanese in detail. May all independence activists rest in peace. #2025OverseasTravelEvent

Seodaemun Prison was a prison built by the Japanese in 1908 to imprison Korean patriots, and now remains as a historical museum. I was able to study many of our country's historical and social issues, and I was able to feel gratitude towards the independence fighters who sacrificed their reality for our future. 🔹 Business hours: Tue-Sun 09:30-18:00 / Closed on Mondays and public holidays 🔹 Address: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul #Southeast Asia Flight Ticket Event

#LiberationDay #SeodaemunPrison #YuGwanSun #Seodaemun #SeodaemunPrisonHistoryMuseum I visited Seodaemun Prison for the LiberationDay Eve event It was a time to remember that time once again.

"Seodaemun Prison History Museum 서대문형무소역사관" This place is now a museum. It has a historical background, so it is a place that modern Japanese people should visit at least once. What people feel when they visit there varies from person to person, but I think there is something that we, who were born in a peaceful era, feel. 💭 📍Location: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea #0yentrip #Korea

#MayTravelSupportEvent The Seodaemun Prison History Museum is filled with historical memories. My friend and I have clearly lived different lives. However, we sympathize with the place where many independence activists were tortured and sacrificed. The zelkova tree that holds the history of the past has disappeared. It is new again like a red brick. Like the weeping zelkova tree, it was another beginning like a death row inmate with both arms outstretched. Maybe it is because we, in the present, have no more reason to weep. Like the zelkova tree, it was also heartbreaking when my friend's wife fell and got hurt. We walk through Seodaemun Prison again to comfort the sick. The very act of walking together makes our hearts beat.

Seodaemon Prison, located in Seodaemon District, Seoul, is a prison built by the Japanese colonial government. It is the first modern prison on the Korean Peninsula. This historic building has witnessed a tragic history. During the Japanese imperial dictatorship, the area was used as a prison to imprison Korean national democratization activists. At that time, the Japanese imperial regime implemented inhumane torture on prisoners in Seodaemon Prison in order to suppress the democratization movement. Many prisoners were tortured and died in Seodaemun Prison, including the famous democratization activist Ryu Kwan-soon. Today, Seodaemon Prison is no longer used as a prison, but instead serves as a history museum to showcase this painful history to citizens and tourists. Visitors entering Seodaemun Prison can clearly see the former prison cells and execution sites. The museum displays models that vividly show how high-ranking officials of the Japanese Empire tortured prisoners at the time. Overall, the Seodaemon Prison History Museum is a worthy attraction to visit. If you are interested in Korean history, I recommend you to go to the Seodaemon Prison History Museum during your visit to Korea. I believe I will have a deeper understanding of Korean history after the visit. #Japanese and Korean urban attractions

#SeoulTravel A place that reminds us of our nation's painful history, Seodaemun Prison Seodaemun Prison was a place where Japan suppressed and oppressed Koreans during the Japanese colonial period, and many Korean independence activists were imprisoned there. That's why I toured the history museum with a heavy heart, unlike usual. In various places in the history museum, I was able to encounter the reality of various tortures that were carried out during the interrogation of independence activists. Every time I encountered that reality, I couldn't help but feel angry when I thought about how hard it must have been for independence activists here. A historical site that should not be forgotten, Seodaemun Prison This is one of the places you should definitely visit if you visit Seoul. 🚘Seoul Seodaemun-gu Tongil-ro 251 Seodaemun Prison History Museum #SeodaemunPrison #SeoulTravel #PlacesToVisitInSeoul #HistoricalTravelDestinations #DomesticTravel #PlacesToVisitInDomestic

#SeoulTravel #SeodaemunPrisonHistoryMuseum How about visiting the Seodaemun Prison History Museum with your kids before June ends? This place where the fighting spirit and resistance of independence activists and democracy activists remain intact will be a time to remember and express gratitude for the heroes who sacrificed their bodies for the country. 📍Travel destination: Seodaemun Prison History Museum 📍Location information: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 📍Usage information - March~October 9:30~18:00 November~February 9:30~17:00 - Closed on Mondays - Adults 3,000 won, Youths 1,500 won, Children 1,000 won - Parking 300 won per 10 minutes

Introducing the Muakjae Sky Bridge connecting Ansan and Inwangsan. It is located near the Seodaemun Prison History Museum at Dongnimmun Station and is probably the highest bridge in Seoul. #Muakjae Sky Bridge #Dongnimmun Station #Seodaemun Prison History Museum

#Exhibition Seodaemun Prison History Museum visited on Liberation Day! Learn about history Spent a meaningful time with the kids through various experiential exhibitions Reporters wrote about our family! A place that preserves the historical pain of the Republic of Korea~ #Places to visit with kids #Seodaemun Prison History Museum #Every corner of the Republic of Korea

251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Seodaemun Prison History Museum The operating hours are different for each season and day of the week. Please search in advance! I went with my nephews and it was great to go together. We studied history while looking at it, so it was more interesting and good in many ways!