Seodaemun Prison History Museum

Originally a prison built by under the Japanese administration to hold captive of independence movement activists. It first opened on October 21, 1908 under the name Gyaemseong Prison, and when the prison was full, the prison expanded and changed its name to Seodaemun Prison on September 3, 1912. The prison turned into Seodaemun Independence Park on August 15, 1992 to commemorate the Korean patriots who were tortured and sacrificed in prison. Only seven buildings were preserved for their historical significance, which among three prison buildings and the execution site were designated as Historic Site No. 324. In 1998, the park undewent another transformation into today’s Seodaemun Prison History Hall to educate the public on the importance of Korea’s independence and the sacrifices of those who fought to achieve it.