This is a description of tourist attractions in Seoul’s Seodaemun-gu area. Seodaemun-gu is a district in Seoul known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. Home to important landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the main royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, and Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with well-preserved hanok houses, Seodaemun-gu offers visitors a glimpse into Korea’s past. In addition to its historical sites, Seodaemun-gu is also a vibrant neighborhood with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and local markets. Visitors can enjoy exploring the streets lined with both traditional and modern architecture, offering a mix of old and new. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Korean cuisine at local restaurants and experience the warmth of Korean hospitality. Seodaemun-gu is a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Korea’s rich history and culture.
Changcheon Community Park
“Changcheon Community Park is a urban oasis located in Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. This park is a green space created for the relaxation and leisure of Changcheon-dong residents. The park offers a serene environment with various trees and grassy areas, perfect for strolling and picnicking amidst nature. Key facilities include walking paths, benches, and exercise equipment, serving as a place that promotes both health and leisure for the local community. Changcheon Community Park is especially suitable for families visiting together. It is well-equipped with playgrounds for children and spaces for exercise, allowing for intergenerational communication and recreational activities. Situated near Baramsan Children’s Park, this park provides convenient access for residents as a neighborhood park in the Sinchon area. Throughout the seasons, Changcheon Community Park offers diverse landscapes to admire. In spring, colorful flowers bloom, while autumn brings vibrant foliage, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the changing beauty of nature.”
• Address (location): 19 Yonsei-ro 2-gil, Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City
Seoul Seodaemun-gu ‘Modu Art Theater’
“Modu Arts Theater is the first specialized performance venue for artists with disabilities in Korea, showcasing their dreams. Since opening its doors in October 2023, it has provided a space for disabled artists to freely express their works and has established itself as a cultural space where everyone can enjoy the arts. Moreover, it plays a significant role in improving societal awareness about disabilities and is dedicated to realizing a vision of a cultural space where everyone can come together and enjoy.”
• Address (location): “7 Chungjeong-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City (Chungjeongno 3(sam)-ga)”
• Hours of use:The theater is open daily from 00:00 to 24:00 according to the performance schedule.
Whimsical Playground Ttegul Ttegul
Perched beneath a beautiful mountain in the tranquil residential area of Hongje 1-dong, ‘Whimsical Playground Ttegul Ttegul’ is a delightful outdoor space where children can play joyfully and safely in a natural sand playground. Conceived by Seodaemun-gu with the idea of creating a playground that kids dream of, this playground opened in November 2019 and features three sand play areas, swings, a drinking fountain, and a public restroom. The playground is divided into three circular play areas, with over 50cm deep East Coast sand perfect for sensory play. Using natural materials, such as wooden play equipment, a wooden walkway, and earthen flooring, this play space stands out from others by making the most of natural terrain and structures. Features like the long slide and zip line spark children’s curiosity. Visitors can rent children’s bicycles and sand play tools in front of the management office. The playground opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. from April to October, and at 4:40 p.m. from November to March.
• Address (location): 41-31 San, Hongje-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: – April to October: 09:00 – 18:00
– November to March: 09:00 – 16:40
Seoul Seodaemun-gu ‘Sinchon Graffiti Wall Tunnel’
Located at Exit 1 of Sinchon Station on the Gyeongui Line, the Sinchon Graffiti Wall Tunnel is affectionately known as the Sinchon Rabbit Hole. This tunnel used to serve as a crucial bridge connecting Sinchon, Ewha Womans University, and Yonsei University before the road was built. However, with the construction of roads and underground passages next to the rabbit hole, foot traffic naturally decreased, and the environment became dark and uninviting. But when this place became famous as a filming location for a popular drama (Goblin), people started to visit and it underwent a transformation. LED lights were installed inside the rabbit hole, wooden steps were added to create a pleasant and safe walking path. Within the 65m long, 4.5m wide space, a variety of colorful graffiti art was painted both inside and outside the tunnel, illuminated by the LED lights to enhance its splendor. As long as the designated hours and themes for graffiti work are followed, anyone can participate in creating art here, leading to frequent changes in the displayed artworks.
• Address (location): 121-23 Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City
Seoul Seodaemun-gu ‘Yonsei Road’
“The street connecting Yonsei University from Sinchon Station on Subway Line 2 is the heart of Sinchon. Branching off like roots from this street are various alleyways. Since 1999, when the Seoul city government designated Yonsei-ro as a ‘walking street,’ beautification projects such as tree-lined streets and street map installations have been carried out. The area is filled with a wide variety of restaurants, fast food joints, coffee shops, and stores. In the afternoon, you can also enjoy street food here. On the opposite side of Yonsei University’s road, beautiful murals are painted.”
• Address (location): “Yonsei-ro area, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City”
Seoul Seodaemun-gu ‘Edae Street’
“This is a charming alleyway connecting Ewha Womans University main gate to Sinchon Station. Once plagued by a downturn in the fashion industry, this alley came back to life in 2017 with trendy stores run by young entrepreneurs. Lined with cafes and small eateries offering takeout options, this street is a fashion mecca filled with unique shops selling clothing, beauty salons, cosmetics, shoes, accessories, and nail shops. It’s a delightful place for foreign tourists to explore!”
• Address (location): (DaeHyun-dong), Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: Operating hours vary by establishment.
Gochon Hall (Pharmaceutical Museum)
“‘Gochon’ is derived from the name of the founder of Jongkundang, Chairman Go Jong-geun. The Gochon exhibition hall at Jongkundang showcases the life of Gochon, the founding process of Jongkundang, and explores domestic and international pharmacists, inviting visitors to experience the spirit of challenge and sharing. The unique Gochon experience hall, inspired by the seeds collected by Teacher Gochon from around the world, features paper-based images.”
• Address (location): “8 Chungjeong-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City”
• Hours of use: Summer Season (March to October) 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Winter Season (November to February) 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Patriots and Heroes Memorial Tower
The Patriots and Martyrs’ Monument was erected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on August 15, 1992, to commemorate the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for Korea’s independence. This memorial site, located at Seodaemun Prison where many patriots fought against Japanese colonial rule, honors the spirit and resilience of our ancestors who fought for national liberation. At the center of the monument stands a 22.3m high sculpture symbolizing the unwavering determination and spirit of independence of our people from all regions of the country. Flanking the monument are depictions of historical events related to the independence movement, such as armed resistance against Japan, the courage of martyrs like Yoon Bong-gil and Yu Gwan-sun, and the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom. The memorial also includes detailed accounts of the continuous struggle against Japanese aggression and the unwavering spirit of our forefathers in their quest for independence.
• Address (location): 80 Independence Gate Park Road, Hyunjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open at all times”
Statue of Scholar Song Jae-seop
“This statue, located in Seodaemun Independence Park, honors Seo Jaepil, a prominent figure from Boseong, Jeolla Province, who was a key figure in the enlightenment and independence movements. In 1896, Seo Jaepil founded Korea’s first private newspaper, the ‘Independence Newspaper.’ With the help of Yun Chi-ho and Lee Sang-jae, he established the Independence Association, demolished the Yeoungmun gate controlled by China, and raised funds from the people to build the Independence Gate as a symbol of Korean independence. He transformed the former Chinese-style hall into an Independence Hall, which served as the meeting place and office of the Independence Association. Through forums and public meetings, he promoted discussions on national independence and reform, organized the People’s Joint Association, and opposed Russia’s lease demand for Busan’s Yeongdo Island, significantly advancing the ideas of national independence and civil rights. Following the March 1st Movement in 1919, he led diplomatic efforts for the independence movement as the chairman of the Washington Provisional Government Commission, dedicating all his wealth to support the cause. Sadly, he passed away in the United States at the age of 87 on January 5, 1951.”
• Address (location): 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Special City
• Hours of use: “Open all year round”