Independence Gate, Historic gate in Cheonyeon-dong, South Korea
Description
Independence Gate is a portal in Hyeonjeo-dong, South Korea, that rises from an open square with paved paths and small green spaces. The passageway no longer leads to a road but opens onto a park where visitors can view the monument from different angles.
History
Construction took place from 1897 to 1898 when the country reshaped its diplomatic relations and ended former tributary obligations. Previously, a gate stood at this site that served exclusively for receiving Chinese envoys.
Culture
The name of the gate refers to the self-determination the country sought after centuries of tributary relations with its neighbor. Today, school groups and families come here to visit the site where important diplomatic changes found expression.
Practical
The gate stands near Dongnimmun Station on Line 3, so visitors can reach it after a short walk. The best time to come is in the morning or afternoon when sunlight evenly illuminates the stone surface.
Did you know?
The design follows a plan that a Korean architect created while collaborating with Western engineers, which was unusual at the time. Some of the blocks carry inscriptions that become visible only upon closer inspection.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Hyeonjeo-dong).
Seoul offers numerous places beyond its main attractions, each revealing different aspects of the city. Traditional Hanok villages with their distinctive wooden structures and courtyard layouts exist alongside transformed industrial buildings and former royal residences. Gardens, art museums, and...
Deoksugung
1.5 km
Seodaemun Prison
369 m
Hammering Man
1.2 km
Gyeonghuigung
767 m
Government Complex Seoul
1.4 km
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
369 m
National Palace Museum of Korea
1.5 km
Inwangsan
1.4 km
Gyeonggyojang
868 m
Seoul Museum of Art
1.6 kmAlbert Taylor House
367 m
Seoul Museum of History
1 km
Bongwonsa
1.1 km
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
1.6 km
Taerim Misulgwan
1.3 km
Plinths of Yeongeunmun Gate, Seoul
13 m
Deoksugung Palace
1.5 km
Gyeongungung Palace Yangijae
1.5 km
Pirundae
879 m
서울 구 신아일보 별관
1.3 km
Korean National Police Museum
974 m
Yi Sangbeom's House and Atelier in Nuha-dong, Seoul
1.1 km
서울 배화여자고등학교 생활관
869 m
서울 배화여자고등학교 켐벨기념관
947 m
대한성공회 서울주교좌성당 모자이크 제단화
1.5 km
서울 배화학원 캐롤라이나관
974 m
서울 청진동 출토 백자항아리
986 m
Sungkok Art Museum
914 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes