Sodemun Prison


Sodemun district in Seoul is famous for its very unusual sight of the capital - the prison of the same name. Once it contained Korean patriots who fought for liberation from Japan . Today it is a museum where numerous foreign guests come with interest. What is so interesting about this place? Let's find out!

Historical facts

The main milestones for turning a prison into a national monument are:

  1. Everything began in the period of Tehanczheguk. In 1907, a building was built, originally called the Gyeongsong Prison. Subsequently, the name was transformed into Kayojo, Saydaimon and finally Sodemun. There have always been a lot of political criminals, whom the Japanese invaders imprisoned. According to unofficial data, during this period there were about 40 thousand prisoners, of whom more than 400 here also died, including from cruel treatment.
  2. After the independence of the Republic of Korea in 1945, Sodemun was not disbanded, but was re-profiled into a general regime prison for ordinary criminals.
  3. And only in 1992, when the Independence Park was built around the building (which is also very symbolic), the prison turned into a Historical Museum of a very specific subject.

The prison museum today

The general impression of visiting the prison Sodemun in visitors is similar - a gloomy, unsightly place. But, strangely enough, this atmosphere attracts crowds of tourists.

In our time, not only curious tourists visit the landmark, but also many Koreans. They come here whole families, so that the younger generation will also get acquainted with this part of the history of their country. The Sodemun Prison Museum is a real symbol of Seoul's struggle for democracy and independence.

We suggest you go on a virtual tour of the buildings, corridors and chambers of the former prison. Here's what you can see here:

  1. Exhibition halls. They are located on the first and second floors of the main building. Historical documents, photos of prisoners, old weapons, mock-ups of the prison complex, interrogation and trial processes are exhibited here. Some of the rooms are restored.
  2. Basement. Here was the famous activist in the struggle for the liberation of Korea, the young Yu Gwang-sung. She belonged to the movement of Samil, for which she was tortured in prison to death. This girl became a real symbol of the liberation struggle, and since to women in Korea a special, reverent attitude, then they are dedicated to a separate room in the prison museum.
  3. Chambers and other premises where prisoners were kept - their gymnasium, canteen, etc.
  4. Torture is clearly the most interesting place in Sodemun prison. Its eerie atmosphere completely answers the name - the situation is kept exactly as it was in the distant past, when the prison was full of political prisoners. You will see the instruments of torture, the mannequins of convicts and guards, and in some places even their holographic images, accompanied by sharp and loud cries in Korean.
  5. The prison courtyard with 15 buildings is surrounded by a wall 4.5 m high. Only 79 m of the wall in front of the prison and 208 m in the rear have reached our days, previously its total length was more than 1 km. Observation towers are located on the wall.
  6. Observation tower. Its first floor is now occupied by ticket offices, and the second one attracts tourists with the opportunity to take a look from 8 windows located at a 10-meter height.
  7. A park. It stretches around the prison on a hilly terrain. It is very beautiful here, the paths are even and neat, and if you want you can make a magnificent walk. In the park there is also a monument to the dead patriots and the majestic Arch of Independence.

How to get to Sodamun Prison in Seoul?

Seoul metro is the most popular mode of transport , ideal for tourist travel around the city. To get there, use the 3rd subway line. Your station is "Tonnipmon", exit # 5.

The cost of visiting the museum is about $ 4. Regarding the regime of Sodemun Prison, it is limited to hours from 9:30 to 18:00 daily. It is especially crowded here on August 15, when the Day of Liberation is celebrated in South Korea.