Seodaemun Prison History Hall

In Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea, there is a museum and a former prison called Seodaemun Prison History Hall. Its previous name during the early years of Japanese colonialism was Keijo Prison. Seodaemun Prison became its new name in 1923, and it thereafter went by a number of additional titles. This prison, built in 1908, housed Korean insurrectionists who battled Japan's invasion and occupation.

Before Seodaemun Prison History Hall was built, the nation had almost no prison system, and this place came to represent the Korean people's resolve to achieve their freedom no matter the cost. This place is a somber reminder of the darker side of humanity, as many Korean patriots perished while being held here, were tortured there, or were put to death. As a memorial to people who contributed to the creation of the contemporary Korean country, it stands out among Seoul's other historic locations.

This is not a great Seoul location to visit. It is a harsh and even ugly example of Seoul's past and was rehabilitated in 1995 after being classified as a historic landmark in 1988. You may find chillingly replicated torture rooms, jail cells, isolation cells, and more all across the restored prison-turned-museum. The basement cells used for the women's section, which offered no privacy, have been preserved. Famous Korean patriot effigies and shockingly lifelike mannequins of those who perished in the prison can be found in some of the torture cells.

Address: 484 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03628 South Korea

Phone: +82 2-360-8590

Opening hours: unknown

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 388 Tripadvisor reviews

Website: http://www.sscmc.or.kr/culture2/foreign/eng/eng01.html