Seodaemun Independence Park
Seodaemun Independence Park: This Saturday (Sat, Oct 31) looks busy (daily crowd index 89); the quietest day in the next 30 days is Sun, Nov 15; weekday average 68, weekend average 75; the quietest day of the week is Monday.
Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Detention Camp. It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in the 1960s. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was restored and turned into a memorial park in August 15, 1992 to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, an execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno.
One of the most significant monuments of the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated a Historic Site. Nearby is Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan, which was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon dynasty. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with the names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, another Historic Site. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The main highlight of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former prison building that was renovated into a history museum.
- Type
- City park
- Area
- Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- Address
- 251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours
- Closed
- N/A (Open all year round)
- Parking
- Available
- Parking nearby
- 1 lot within 500 m · about 120 spaces
- Sunrise / sunset
- Sat, Oct 31: sunrise 06:55 · sunset 17:36
- Phone
- • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-3140-8305
Seodaemun Independence Park: least crowded days in the next 30 days
This is the daily crowd index forecast by the Korea Tourism Organization from mobile-network data. 100 = this place's busiest period, so 50 means about half as busy as its peak. It covers the whole day — even busy days can be quiet early in the morning or in the evening.
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/2883 | 2987 | 3087 | 3189 | |||
| 11/165 | 258 | 358 | 457 | 559 | 671 | 781 |
| 866 | 958 | 1058 | 1166 | 1262 | 1373 | 1488 |
| 1550 | 1651 | 1758 | 1872 | 1972 | 2072 | 2186 |
| 2273 | 2364 | 2473 | 2579 |
Quiet (under 55) Moderate Busy (80+) Closed · red dates are Sundays and public holidays
| Quieter weekends & holidays | Sun, Nov 1 65 · Sun, Nov 8 66 · Sun, Nov 15 50 |
|---|---|
| Quietest days | Wed, Nov 4 57 · Sun, Nov 15 50 · Mon, Nov 16 51 |
| Busiest days | Thu, Oct 29 87 · Sat, Oct 31 89 · Sat, Nov 14 88 |
| Weekday / weekend average | Weekdays 68 · weekends 75 |
| Average by day of week | Mon 58 · Tue 62 · Wed 71 · Thu 70 · Fri 76 · Sat 86 · Sun 64 (bold = quietest day) |
Festivals & events nearby
- Yangjaecheoneul Pumeun Yangjaedoseogwan 「mulgil Ttara Geurimchaek Yeohaeng」 양재천을 품은 양재도서관 「물길 따라 그림책 여행」 On now Sat, Oct 10 – Sun, Nov 8 · 13 km
- Nowondalbitsanchaek 노원달빛산책 On now Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Nov 8 · 13 km
- 《sojangpum, Sidaeui Jangmyeondeul》 《소장품, 시대의 장면들》 On now Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Dec 6 · 4 km
- Sium Sium Morning On now Sun, Oct 18 – Sun, Nov 29 · 15 km
FAQ
- Is there parking at Seodaemun Independence Park?
- Yes (Available). On weekends and holidays the car park fills up early, so arrive in the morning.
- What are the opening hours of Seodaemun Independence Park?
- Open 24 hours. Hours can change by season or for events, so check before you go. Times are Korea time (KST).
- Which day is Seodaemun Independence Park least crowded?
- Based on the Korea Tourism Organization forecast for the next 30 days, Monday is the quietest day of the week (average 58) and Saturday the busiest (average 86). The single quietest day is Sun, Nov 15.
- What time should I visit Seodaemun Independence Park to avoid the crowds?
- Tourist spots are usually busiest between 11:00 and 14:00. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon is much calmer. The Noonchi app shows a score for every departure time from your location.
- Will Seodaemun Independence Park be crowded this weekend?
- This Saturday (Sat, Oct 31) is forecast to be busy (daily crowd index 89; 100 = busiest period). Even on busy days, early morning and late afternoon are calmer.
Nearby attractions
- Dokripgwan 독립관 0.0 km · Historic site
- Songjaeseojaepilseonsaengsang 송재서재필선생상 0.0 km · Landmark
- 3.1dokripseoneonginyeomtap 3.1독립선언기념탑 0.1 km · Historic relic
- Seodaemun Prison History Museum 0.2 km · Museum & gallery
- Sungukseonyeolchunyeomtap 순국선열추념탑 0.2 km · Historic relic
- National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government 0.3 km · Museum & gallery
- Dokripmun 독립문 0.3 km · Historic site
- Inwangsa(Seoul) 인왕사(서울) 0.5 km · Temple & religious site