Published Date : Aug 01, 2025 / Edited Date : Aug 01, 2025
The Names Encountered at Seodaemun
This is a walking tour that allows you to reflect on the names and lives of those who fought for sovereignty and independence during the era of imperialist invasion, as you walk along the Seodaemun History & Culture Park and the Seodaemun Prison History Hall.
Walking Tour Details
Walking Course
Exit 4 of Dongnimmun Station
Dongnimmum (Independence Gate)
Security and Administration Building
Central Prison Building
Prison Building 12
Labor Building
Execution Building and Corpse Removal Exit
Women's Prison Building
Duration
About 2 hours
Meeting Place
Exit 4 of Dongnimmun Station (outdoor)
Course Tips
Admission fees to the Seodaemun Prison History Hall must be paid individually. (Adults: KRW3,000 / Teenagers: KRW1,500 / Children: KRW1,000 / Military personnel: KRW1,500 / Senior citizens, infants, persons with disabilities, and veterans: Free)
All courses require walking for an average of over 2 hours. For lower grades of elementary school students and kindergarteners, participation may be physically challenging, or focusing may be difficult. Participation is recommended for upper elementary students and above.
Built in 1897 by the Independence Association to commemorate Korea’s national sovereignty, the gate was constructed on the former site of Yeongeunmun Gate, where envoys from the Qing Dynasty were once received. Its design was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.
Security and Administration Building
This building was used to operate of Seodaemun Prison and was constructed in 1923 as a two-story structure with a basement. The first floor served as office space, the second floor housed the meeting room and the warden’s office, and the basement was used as an interrogation room. It is currently utilized as an exhibition space within the History Hall.
Central Prison Building
This building is a prison guard’s office and served as the administrative center for overseeing and controlling inmates. The first floor housed staff offices, while the second floor was used for ideological education for prisoners.
Prison Building 12
This building was where independence activists and democracy activists were incarcerated. Visitors can now explore the restored interior of the cells and view the exhibition with the Wall-tapping Communications that exchange messages by tapping on the wall.
Labor Building (Engineering Work Building)
During the Japanese occupation, this factory or workshop utilized prisoner labor to manufacture and supply goods needed by prisons, military units, and government offices.
Execution Building and Corpse Removal Exit
This is the site where executions were carried out. Built around 1916, it is a Japanese-style wooden structure with one above-ground and one underground floor. The “Corpse Removal Exit” was used to secretly transport bodies out after executions.
Women’s Prison Building
Constructed around 1916, this was a detention facility exclusively for female prisoners. Independence activists such as Yu Gwan-sun were held here. The building was restored in 2011.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)