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| Seodaemun Prison, Seoul |
The Seodaemun Prison, Seoul is a must visit place for every tourist who comes on a trip to Seoul. The economic, political and cultural hub of South Korea, the city of Seoul is dotted with numerous tourist attractions. One such place that is surely worth a visit is the Seodaemun Prison, Seoul.
The Seodaemun Prison, Seoul was formerly a prison. At present, it has been converted into a museum. This prison is situated in the Seodaemun-gu area of the city, in close proximity to the Dongnimmun (Independence Gate). The prison was established on 21st October 1908. At that time, the prison was known as Gyeongseong Gamok. Later, in the year 1923, the name of the prison was changed to Seodaemun Prison.
The construction of the Seodaemun Prison, Seoul started in the year 1907, during the period when Korea was under Japanese rule. In those days, the prison was used to house anti-colonial activists. It had enough space to accommodate up to 500 people. In the aftermath of Japanese occupation, the Seodaemun Prison in Seoul was used by the Government of South Korea until the year 1987. The site of the prison was dedicated as the Seodaemun Prison History Hall on 15th August 1992, on the occasion of the 47th Independence Day. This hall is part of the Independence Park.
The Seodaemun Prison, Seoul has stood witness to the several ordeals, sorrows, and major events of modern Korean history. At present, seven of the original fifteen buildings of the prison complex are conserved as historical monuments. Some of the prison buildings and the Execution Building at the site have been collectively specified as National Historical Sites.
The Seodaemun Prison, Seoul remains open to public from 9.30 am to 6 pm from the months of March to October. In the rest of the year, the prison-cum-museum closes at 5 pm. This tourist spot remains open throughout the year except on the 1st of January, the Lunar New Year, the Harvest Moon Festival, and on Mondays. If a Monday happens to be a holiday, the Seodaemun Prison remains closed on the following day.
For more information on Seodaemun Prison, Seoul, visit travel.mapsofworld.
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