Seodaemun Independence Park

Seodaemun Independence Park is the site of the former Seoul Detention Center, where numerous patriotic martyrs were imprisoned until Korea's liberation on August 15, 1945, and where many political prisoners were held during the political upheavals of the 1960s. When the Seoul Detention Center was relocated to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, seven prison buildings, an execution ground, and an underground women's prison were restored, and the March 1st Movement Memorial Tower was moved from Tapgol Park. In connection with the Yeongeunmun Gate foundation stones, it was established as Seodaemun Independence Park on August 15, 1992. Seodaemun Independence Park was created to remind descendants of the spirit of self-reliance and independence of the patriotic martyrs who resisted and suffered imprisonment for the nation's independence. By organically linking the Independence Gate, the History Hall, the Independence Hall, and the Memorial Tower for the Patriotic Martyrs, while also renovating the aging park facilities that caused inconvenience to citizens, the park maximizes convenience for visiting students, tourists, and citizens. In particular, the Independence Gate, which had previously restricted public access, was opened to citizens as part of the Seodaemun Independence Park redevelopment project.