Seoul Deoksugung, Jeongdong-gil & Seodaemun Prison Dark History Tour with Admission

Hear the story of the Korean Empire at Deoksugung
and watch the guard changing ceremony

Meet your certified English-speaking guide at City Hall Station Exit 2 and begin the tour at Deoksugung Palace. Explore the traditional halls and Western-style buildings of Emperor Gojong's former imperial palace and learn about Korea's efforts to modernize amid growing international pressure. After touring the palace, watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held near the palace entrance at 14:00.

Walk Jeongdong-gil and look back on the struggle to protect sovereignty

Stroll along Jeongdong-gil, once Seoul's diplomatic center lined with foreign legations, churches, and modern schools. At Chungdong First Methodist Church, one of the oldest Protestant churches in Korea, hear about its connection to the March 1st Independence Movement and the story of independence activist Yu Gwan-sun, who attended the church before being imprisoned at Seodaemun Prison.

Next, visit Jungmyeongjeon at Deoksugung, where the Eulsa Treaty was forced upon Korea in 1905 and the country lost control of its diplomacy.

Face the history of resistance and sacrifice at Seodaemun Prison

Travel by vehicle to Seodaemun Prison History Hall, where many Korean independence activists were imprisoned during the Japanese colonial period, and explore it for about 80 minutes. As you walk through the preserved cells and exhibition spaces, you will hear real stories of resistance, sacrifice, and survival.

End the journey at Independence Gate

Hear the final story at Independence Gate, built to declare Korea's aspiration to become a fully sovereign nation free from foreign influence. After the tour, you will return to City Hall Station by vehicle.

※ The guard changing ceremony is scheduled for 14:00, so you may miss it if you arrive late.
※ The tour runs rain or snow.