Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate) is a memorial built to honor the Korean people and their fight for national independence over foreign intervention. The gate is located in the southeastern corner of Seodaemun Independence Park near Seodaemun Prison History Hall.
A gate known as Yeongeunmun once stood at this location. It was here where Chinese and other foreign envoys were received and greeted. Envoys received their tribute from Joseon monarchs here as they arrived in Korea.
During the late 1800s, Joseon politics were in a midst of disarray. A movement known as the Gabo Reform, which took place from 1894 to 1896, aimed to reform the government through sweeping internal and systematic changes.
Due to foreign intervention, the reform was unsuccessful causing Korea to fail at gaining national independence.
A new symbolic monument and gate was desired at this location after the Qing Dynasty Chinese army defeated the Meiji Japanese army after the First Sino-Japanese War from 1894 to 1895.
On November 21, 1896, construction on Dongnimmun began. The gate was built to symbolize the continued determination of a free Korea without foreign interference. Construction on the gate was completed on November 20, 1897.
The design was created by architect Sim Uiseok with approval of the king and a group of activists from the Independence Club, formed and led by Seo Jaepil. The design was modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.
In response to Korea’s independence, King Gojong proclaimed himself the first emperor of Korea in 1897.
Made of granite, the gate features a large rainbow shaped passageway. The gate stands 14.28 meters (46 feet) high and 11.48 meters (37 feet) wide. A stone staircase on the left side of the gate leads up to the top. A plaque over the arch features plum blossoms which was a symbol of the Great Han Empire.
Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate) was originally located 70 meters (229 feet) to the southeast. In 1979, the gate was restored and moved to its current location.
Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate) Information
Hours
Admission
Free
Address
941 Hyeonjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
GPS Coordinates: 37.572338,126.959746
How to Get Here
Take Subway Line 3 to Dongnimmun Station (Exit 4).
After exiting, continue for 270 meters.
Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate) Video
Map
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Last Updated on Mar 13, 2025