Published & Edited by Seoul Tourism Organization
This newsletter, issued by Seoul Tourism Organization, is intended for Seoul Partner Travel Agencies and related organizations around the world.
Issued on the second Wednesday of every month, the newsletter introduces some of Seoul's best hidden charms and newest attractions.
We look forward to your continued interest and support as we bring you a variety of content in the future!
2025/03/12 |
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T O P I C ❕
"In Search of Seoul’s History" |
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Would you believe it if there were a time machine right in the heart of Seoul?
Seoul is home to numerous spots that showcase some of the city’s most treasured relics and artifacts. They offer a glimpse into the social landscape of their time and serve as key landmarks for exploring the city's history at a glance.
From the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, where visitors can share and reflect on Korea’s historical milestones, to The War Memorial of Korea and Seodaemun Prison History Hall, which preserve the painful memories of the past, we can embark on a journey through modern and contemporary history, experiencing both the past and present of Seoul!
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Contents📑
① National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
② The War Memorial of Korea
③ Yongsan Park's 5th Residential Complex
④ Seodaemun Prison History Hall
⑤ National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government |
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National Museum of Korean Contemporary History |
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#NationalMuseumofKoreanContemporaryHistory #Modern&ContemporaryHistory #HistoricalExperience #RooftopGarden #AnJung-geun #InteractiveSpaces
A space that holds the entire history of Korea
Located at the Gwanghwamun Intersection, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History presents Korea's history from the late 19th century to the present.
Opened in 2012, the museum offers a comprehensive look into Korea’s modern and contemporary history, making it an ideal destination for both history enthusiasts and those who may find history less engaging. Through exhibitions organized by historical periods, visitors can experience how modern Korea was established, almost as if they were listening to a captivating historical narrative.
Currently, a special exhibition commemorating the 115th anniversary of An Jung-geun’s Harbin Incident is being held in the first-floor lounge. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this true hero from history!
On the fourth floor, you'll find the Interactive Gallery. This hands-on space is designed for all ages, offering immersive experiences where visitors can step into the roles of historical figures and complete engaging missions.
Additionally, you'll have the chance to test your knowledge with questions ranging from middle school to college entrance exams. It’s a fun way to study history while challenging yourself, so make sure to give it a try!
From the rooftop garden, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Blue House, and Bugaksan Mountain, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience!
An interactive indoor museum ideal for any family trip! Journey through history while creating new memories!
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From Canada, 30s
There’s so much to see, and the overall atmosphere is very satisfying. The exhibition is well-organized, and the English explanations are clear, making it easy to enjoy the tour.
Some exhibits didn’t have English descriptions, but thankfully, an audio guide was available!
If my friends visit Seoul in the future, this is definitely one of the places I’d recommend!
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From Hong Kong, 20s
The exhibitions had plenty of English descriptions, but some areas lacked Chinese translations. I also wanted to try several interactive activities on the fourth floor, but unfortunately, they were only available in Korean.
Other than that, it was both educational and enjoyable to see Korea’s history unfold in chronological order!
Especially, the 8th-floor rooftop garden offers a fantastic view of Gwanghwamun and the city skyline – I highly recommend stopping by! |
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📣 Must Check!
- ⏰ 10:00 ~ 18:00 (Open until 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
- 📅 Closed on January 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok
- 📍 251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu (Exit 4 of Dongnimmun Station, Subway Line 3)
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The War Memorial of Korea |
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#TheWarMemorialofKorea #WarHistory #PatrioticMemorialHall #MilitaryEnthusiasts #LargeWeaponExhibits #Tanks #FighterJets
A space where the memories of war blossom into seeds of hope
Located in Yongsan, Seoul, The War Memorial of Korea is a valuable space that preserves the country’s wartime history and records.
The memorial, spanning three floors, offers an in-depth exploration of the history of all wars that broke out on the Korean Peninsula. From the prehistoric era to the Goryeo, Three Kingdoms, Joseon, and Japanese colonial periods, it showcases significant battles throughout history—such as the Battle of Salsu, the Imjin War, and the Korean War—through detailed exhibits and historical artifacts. In addition, the Patriotic Memorial Hall is dedicated to honoring the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, offering a space for remembrance and tribute.
The outdoor exhibition area and the indoor large-scale weapons hall showcase tanks and fighter jets used during the Korean War, making it one of Seoul’s most prominent museums.
In particular, the Exhibition of Large Military Equipment was recently created to commemorate the memorial’s 30th anniversary. With massive tanks, armored vehicles, and fighter jets on display, it has become a must-visit destination for military enthusiasts.
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From China, 30s
The facility is very pleasant, and the exhibition area is expansive, offering a wide range of things to see and explore.
Since the library offered English books in addition to Korean ones, I noticed that foreign visitors could comfortably use the space.
I’ve always been interested in the Korean War, so it was meaningful to see exhibits and explanations from the perspective of the Korean people.
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📣 Must Check!
- ⏰ Daily 09:00~18:00
- 📅 Closed on Mondays
- 📍 29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu (Exit 12 of Samgakji Station, Subway Line 6
- 💵 Free
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Yongsan Park's 5th Residential Complex |
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#YongsanFamilyPark #USMilitaryBase #OutdoorGallery #LawnPark #FamilyOuting #ComfortableRest #PhotoHotspot
From a U.S. military base to a peaceful
resting spot for all generations
The partially open area of Yongsan Park was once a U.S. military base, used as housing for American officers. In 2020, part of the site was opened to the public and transformed into a park.
The park offers spaces accessible to visitors of all ages, featuring an outdoor gallery and green lawns that provide a scenic environment.
Inside, you'll find various facilities, including an Open House showcasing the lifestyle of U.S. military personnel, as well as cafés, playgrounds, and more—making it a great spot for a casual outing with your children.
The red brick buildings blend beautifully with the surrounding natural scenery, making this location a popular photo spot among the younger generation year-round.
We highly recommend stopping by this unique park after visiting The War Memorial of Korea!
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📣 Must Check!
- ⏰ Indoor facilities (09:00~17:00), Outdoor spaces (09:00~18:00)
- 📅 Closed on Mondays, January 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok
※ If Monday is a public holiday, closed on the following weekday
- 📍 235-5, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu (Exit 1 of Seobinggo Station, Subway Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
- 💵 Free
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Seodaemun Prison History Hall
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#SeodaemunPrison #Independence #Sacrifice #JapaneseColonialEra #IndependenceActivists #YuGwan-sun #KoreanPatriots
A space of remembrance where the sacrifices of the past inspire today's freedom
When you follow Independence Gate and continue upwards toward Seodaemun Independence Park, you'll come across a distinctive building. Seodaemun Prison is a historic site that holds the painful memories of Korea’s forced occupation during Japanese rule.
This prison, where independence activists were incarcerated during the Japanese colonial period, stands as a living testament to Korea’s modern and contemporary history.
Countless patriots, including Yu Gwan-sun, endured immense suffering here. Their sacrifices paved the way for Korea’s eventual liberation.
More than just a prison, this site embodies the unwavering determination of those who fought for freedom. Various facilities—including the main prison building, detention cells, and execution grounds—preserve artifacts and records from that era, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the past.
A particularly sobering area is the basement torture chamber, where independence activists were interrogated and subjected to brutal torture. Visitors can see torture devices and solitary confinement cells, serving as a stark reminder of their suffering.
Since 1998, Seodaemun Prison has operated as a museum, dedicated to educating visitors about its historical significance and the invaluable lessons it holds.
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📣 Must Check!
- ⏰ 09:30 ~ 16:30
- 📅Closed on Mondays, January 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok
※ If Monday is a public holiday, closed on the following weekday
- 📍251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu(Exit 4 of Dongnimmun Station, Subway Line 3)
- 💵 Group rates – Adults (KRW 2,400), Teenagers (KRW 1,200), Children (KRW 800), Free admission for others
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National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government |
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#ProvisionalGovernmentHistory #MarchFirstMovement
#IndependenceActivists #Dedication&Sacrifice #LessonsFromHistory
In search of Korea’s roots: The Korean Provisional Government
If you have finished exploring the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, you will notice a large building on the hill right next to it—the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government.
This memorial preserves and commemorates the history of the Korean Provisional Government, which was established following the March First Movement in 1919. It was created to honor the dedication and sacrifices of the independence activists
The memorial spans four floors. Exhibition Hall 1 on the 2nd floor explores the historical background leading to the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government, tracing the transition from monarchy to a nation where the people are sovereign. Exhibition Hall 2 on the 3rd floor highlights the lives and contributions of key figures who dedicated themselves to the provisional government. Exhibition Hall 3 on the 4th floor presents a comprehensive timeline, illustrating the journey from the provisional government to the foundation of modern Korea.
If you have time after visiting Seodaemun Prison, consider stopping by this memorial to walk in the footsteps of those who dedicated themselves to the independence movement, reflecting on their dreams and unwavering commitment.
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Memorial Spokesperson
The memorial, established in 2022, features a diverse collection of exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the Korean Provisional Government.
To accommodate the growing number of international visitors, we are expanding our language support beyond English, with additional multilingual exhibition descriptions and guided tours in development. We appreciate your interest and look forward to welcoming you! |
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📣 Must Check!
- ⏰ 10:00~18:00 (Last entry at 17:00)
- 📅 Closed on Mondays, January 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok
※ If Monday is a public holiday, closed on the next weekday
- 📍279-24, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu (Exit 5 of Dongnimmun Station, Subway Line 3)
- 💵 Free
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In this newsletter, we explored historical sites and tourist destinations that provide a glimpse into both the past and present of Seoul.
We discovered that traces of Seoul’s history remain throughout the city’s streets. Some sites bear painful memories of past invasions and colonial rule, while others commemorate the scars of war and ideological conflict.
Through this journey, we honor these historical moments, ensuring that the pain of the past is never forgotten but embraced as a valuable lesson. Such experiences can reinforce our courage and determination to build a brighter and more hopeful present and future.
We hope that everyone who visits Seoul in the future will find deep inspiration and insight through these historical sites.
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