Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Built in 1908, Seodaemun Prison served as a grim holding place for Korean patriots and activists during the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945. Designed to accommodate 500 prisoners, the facility often crammed up to 3,500 individuals into squalid conditions, especially during the peak of anti-Japanese protests in 1919. Today, visitors can explore the somber history of this site, which stands as a stark reminder of the suffering endured by those who fought for Korea’s independence. The prison’s dark, cramped cells and chilling execution grounds offer a poignant and educational experience.