logo
ic_menu

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

, Tongil-ro, Seoul

Description

Seodaemun Prison History Hall in Seoul is a former prison set up in 1908 and used during the Japanese colonial period (1910-45) to incarcerate Korean liberation activists such as Kim Koo. It has been repurposed as a museum and the historical buildings are complemented by modern exhibits documenting the national resistance and illustrating the conditions of detention, including torture.

Access & Transport

The museum is located in the Seodaemun district, about 2.5km west of Gyeongbokgung Dongnimmun station (3) is next to it and they are also bus options

Instructions & Recommendations

It is possible to book docent-led ours in English, Japanese, or Mandarin but this requires 1-week advanced notice. Contact details are available on the website

Meta review

Not a well-known attraction outside of the city, the online reviews are mostly positive. Visitors state that it provides some good insights about the Japanese occupation (with a thinly veiled hatred) and some intermittent English translations. From a practical perspective, try to keep your distance from school groups to improve your experience, note that the prison buildings are not temperature controlled or have any decent isolation, and it is very easy to reach by subway.

Environmental & Social

Mostly repurposed building and reasonable energy use in the modern building. Educational + memorial

Conclusion

This museum and memorial will mostly appeal to those looking to deepen their knowledge of a specific period of Korean history and better understand the troubled relationship with Japan

Key positive

Some vivid insights into the Japanese occupation period

Has retained a serious feel, not commercialized

Key negative

Lack of English translation and scheduled guided tours

Suitability

Most of the premises are accessible for wheelchair users. Not recommended for younger and sensitive children due to the nature of some exhibits

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Jan, Korean New Year, Full-moon Festival

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 01

Season 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY09:30 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY09:30 - 18:00

THURSDAY09:30 - 18:00

FRIDAY09:30 - 18:00

SATURDAY09:30 - 18:00

SUNDAY09:30 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY09:30 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY09:30 - 17:00

THURSDAY09:30 - 17:00

FRIDAY09:30 - 17:00

SATURDAY09:30 - 17:00

SUNDAY09:30 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
₩0
Adult
19 - 64
₩3,000
Teen & Young
13 - 18
₩1,500
Child
7 - 12
₩1,000
Infant
0 - 6
₩0

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.