Seodaemun Prison 서대문 형무소

Built in 1908, it was first used by the Japanese government to detain, torture, and (for many) execute members of the independence movement in the early 20th century. Notable prisoners were Kim Koo (12th and 13th president of the Korean Provisional Government), who was released, and Yu Gwansun, independence leader who died in the prison. The museum also documents political prisoners of early repressive Korean governments with testimonials from surviving prisoners inside the cell they were once in. The museum and park were opened in 1992.

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Independence Gate 독립문

Completed in 1897, modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Built after first Sino-Japanese war to inspire independence away from China. It was built in front of Yeongeunmun Gate 영은문 (demolished, but left 2 pillars behind, as seen in the pictures), which was historically used to formally receive envoys from Ming and Qing China.

Seodaemun Prison 서대문 형무소 Seodaemun Independence Park 서대문독립공원 Independence Gate 독립문 Yeongeunmun Gate 영은문