Seodaemun Independence Park Historical Site

Walked out from Seodaemun Prison History Museum, where we'd a glimpse of the darker side during the Japanese colonialism in Korea. In order to gain its own independence, a lot of independence activists and pro-democracy activists were imprisoned, brutally tortured, and many were killed after suffering inside this prison. 

 

 Independence Park (서대문독립공원) outside Dongnimmun Station.

Apart from red bricks Seodaemun Prison, a range of historic monuments and buildings are also located at this historical site:

1.  Yeongeunmun (영은문)

During Joseon Dynasty, this place is known as Yeongeun. It's where Qing Dynasty envoys were welcomed by the King on their annually visit to collect tribute on behalf of the Chinese Emperor.  

   Two pillars remnants of Yeongeunmun (영은문)

in front of Dongnimmun Independence Gate.

 

2. Dongnimmun Independence Gate (독립문)

The Independence Club raised funds across the country for constructing Dongnimmun Gate. This Western-style monument was built symbolizes the ending of vassalage to China. 

Dongnimmun was built to replace Yeongeunmun Gate.

Dongnimmun Independence Gate is designated as Historical Site No. 32.

 

Dongnimmun was modeled the famous 'Arc de Triomphe' in Paris.

 

    On the top it is written ‘Dongnimmun’ in Korean with the national flag 

craved on each side. On the inner-left side there are stone stairs leading to the attic.

Dongnimmun is highlighting the entrance to Seodaemun 

Independence Park with modern squarish water features.

3.  Statue of Dr. Seo Jaepil (서재필).

You'll be greeted by statue of Korean independence activist Seo Jaepil standing at this Independence Park around Dongnimmun Gate. He's the founder of Independent Newspaper (독립신문), the first Korean newspaper in Hangul, breaking with the tradition of publishing in Chinese.

 

 Dr. Seo Jaepil holding Independent newspapers.

 

As the Founder of Independence Club (독립협회), 

he made great contributions to uplift people's spirit of 

independence to fight for Korean independence and 

support political reformation to promote civil rights.

4.  Declaration of Independence Monument

 At the opposite side of Seo Jaepil's statue is Declaration of Independence Monument.

 It would be best historical sites for educational for all the youths 

in other countries to learn about the unyielding 

patriotism that our forefathers have shown us.

5.  Independence Hall (독립관)

This Dongnipgwan Independence Hall was originally called Mohwagwan. The original building which was built in 1407 and used as Chinese envoys guesthouse.

Independence Club renovated this structure after the reform of 1894 (Gabo Gyeongjang). It's renamed to Independence Hall by Seo Jaepil and used it as association hall for their meetings and office works.

 Independence Hall was a symbol of Korea's spirit of anti-foreign 

encroachment and national independence toward the end of the Joseon period.

The present building was built by the Seoul City Government after demolished by Japanese. The construction was based on the original one-story building in a traditional Hanok style,but with the addition of an underground floor.

 Memorial tablets of Koreans who gave their lives fighting for 

March Fist Independence Movement were enshrined at the underground floor.

Seodaemun Independence Park is easily accessed from 

Dongnimmun Station (Line 3) Exit 4 or 5. 

Related Posts:

~ Seodaemun Prison History Museum

~ March 1st Movement at Tapgol Park

~ Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)

Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

Came back from Suwon, we directly took Seoul Subway Line 3 to Dongnimmun Station.

Seodaemun Independence Park is outside Dongnimmun Station.

Then we followed the crowd to Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

 I got this Korean Flag Taedukgi from Suwon Hwaseong Museum.

Seodaemun prison was built in 1908, is a symbol of Japanese cruelty and oppression

 during their colonial rule of Korea from 1910 until 1945.

 In 1992, the site was dedicated as the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, 

part of Independence Park. Seven of the prison complex's original 

 fifteen buildings are preserved as historical monuments. 

 Seodaemun Prison History Hall was built in remembrance of Seodaemun Prison, 

and to salute the Korean patriots. 

The main hall has three floors of exhibitions:

~ 1st floor - “A Place of Reverence,” 

   you can learn about Seodaemun Prison via the graphic systems.

Video footage about Seodaemun and the transition periods in its history. 

~ 2nd floor - “A Place of History,” 

   to view the “National Resistance Room,” “Prison History Room” and the “In Prison Life Room.” 

   This floor shows examples how the people fought through this dark chapter in history continuing 

   to hold on to their hope and resolve for freedom. 

 

~ 3rd floor - “A Place of Experience” 

   the most horrifying and dreadful place in the prison. In the “Temporary Detention Room” and 

   “Torture Room” you will see recreated torture scenes that are frighteningly realistic.

  

Me inside one of the empty cells.

Visitors can look around and go inside the original prison cell blocks where the independence fighters were held. Built to house 500 prisoners, up to 3500 were packed inside during the height of the anti-Japanese protests in 1919. (source)

The place was crowded that we need to queue to go in

 and couldn't stop to long in order for people to walk.

 

Therefore, we didn't take a lot of photos. It's also sad and disturbing 

to see re-creations of bloody mannequins and brutal torture scenes.

One of the martyrs on memorial board inside the prison wall.

 Stopped by here to offer flower and pay respect to all the patriots.

We didn't enter to another building because of the long queue.

People can write a note or wish on white paper and hang it on these ropes.

Gyeokbyeokjang - some sort of Exercise Facilities with several partition walls 

to prevent prisoners having conversations with each others. It's built in 1920

and dismantled after liberation and restored to its original shape in 2011.

 The Square Pond - originally inside a lacquer ware factory where prisoners worked here

 during Japanese colonial. After liberation, the pond was used for laundry.

Do you know what are those holes for?

They're Excrement holes in Solitary Confinement. These hole were at the corner of the floor where urine and stool were discharged. A drainage outlet of feces still remains at the outer side of jails.

  

Two jumbo size Taegukgi were hanging on the prison walls.

 There were some performances by children at
Seodaemun courtyard.

We also saw a lot of adults in their hanboks taking group photos... I guess after their performance? There were stalls selling foods, there were some free and paid activities for children on March 1st Movement (Samil / Manse) Day.

 Seodaemun Prison History Museum

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea

서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251 (현저동)

Though we didn't see foreigner here, but I recommend it as it's a meaningful and educational place to learn history of Korea during Japanese occupation. 

 Sorry I've to stop here and continue Dongnimmun

Independence Gate few days later as my eyes

already in sleep mood and will auto shut down soon.

Related Posts:
~ March 1st Movement at Tapgol Park

~ [Suwon City Tour] - Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)