This monument was erected in memory of over 4,300 elite Korean students of colleges and universities in Korea and Japan who were coercively inducted into the Imperial Japanese Army under the name Special Student Volunteers toward the end of World War 2.

Most of the them refused to comply and deserted the Japanese Imperial [...]]]> This monument was erected in memory of over 4,300 elite Korean students of colleges and universities in Korea and Japan who were coercively inducted into the Imperial Japanese Army under the name Special Student Volunteers toward the end of World War 2.

Most of the them refused to comply and deserted the Japanese Imperial Army. Some were caught, imprisoned or executed and others were wounded, killed or went missing in action.

This monument has the names of 2,700 of those whose life or death struggle against the war has been confirmed. The monument stands in front of Tong Sung High school. It was here that the forced inductees underwent military training just before they were driven to the battlefield. This monument is a reminder of the struggle against the Japanese and a hope that history will no be repeated.

How to get the Il Nyum Bi Monument:
Leave exit number 1 at Hyehwa station on Line number 4. Head straight for 2 minutes and the monument will be on your right.

One of the four small gates in the historic fortress walls of Seoul. Hyehwamun was built in 1396 in the northeastern part of the walled capital. Its original name was Honghwamun but this had to be changed to the current name in 1511 because the same name was used for the east entrance of [...]]]> One of the four small gates in the historic fortress walls of Seoul. Hyehwamun was built in 1396 in the northeastern part of the walled capital. Its original name was Honghwamun but this had to be changed to the current name in 1511 because the same name was used for the east entrance of Changgyeongung palace. It has also been known as Small East Gate (Dongdaemun). Its gatehouse was built in 1744 and was demolished in 1928, due to damage caused by old age leaving the arched entrance. The gate structure was destroyed entirely during the Japanese Colonial Period to allow for the construction of tram tracks. It was restored in 1992. The current gate is slightly further north from the original site due to road building.

How to get Hyehwamun Gate:
Take line 4 to Hyehwa station and leave exit 1. Keep heading straight and follow the bend in the road to the right and follow the road for about 2 minutes. You will see Hyehwamun on your left.

Naksan Mountain / park is located near Hyehwa station on line 4. It is located inside the Seoul Fortress Wall and the mountain’s beauty was enjoyed by the Jeseon Royal family. During the Japanese occupation of Korea most of the mountain was destroyed to make way for urban planning. On June 10th, 2002  Naksan was [...]]]>

Naksan Mountain

Naksan Mountain / park is located near Hyehwa station on line 4. It is located inside the Seoul Fortress Wall and the mountain’s beauty was enjoyed by the Jeseon Royal family. During the Japanese occupation of Korea most of the mountain was destroyed to make way for urban planning. On June 10th, 2002  Naksan was designated a park in order to save any natural beauty that was left. In January 2011 a new trail was opened on Naksan Mountain. A section of the Seoul Fortress wall was rebuilt and repaired making the total length of the wall 2km in this area. The Government of Seoul hope to bring more tourist by completing a trail along the Seoul Fortress wall by the end of 2012. The trail will follow the 20km route of the wall and show a path full of history and culture.

Naksan mountain is just over 100 meters high. To get to the top you can take two routes. The winding route with a gradual slope or the stairs which go straight up. At the start of the trail you can find Naksan Gallery (open 9 – 5), a small stage area, a parking lot, a shop and some benches to relax on. On the trail up the mountain you will come across a lot of trees, flowers and exercise machines. Half way up the mountain you will find many pavilions where people have picnics and take in the wonderful view of Seoul.

At the top of the mountain you can see the Seoul Fortress Wall. This wall was built in the Jeseon Dynasty to protect from invasion. From here you can get a great view of Seoul City.

How to get to Naksan Mountain:
Take line 4 to Hyehwa station and leave exit 2. From there you can find signs pointing towards Naksan Park. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
The park is open 24 hours.

Marronnier Park takes it’s name from the Marronnier tree that is located in the centre of the park. The park is quite small but plays an important part in the lives of Seoulites.  The park is located near Hyehwa Station. In 1975 the area began to develop. There are now over 50 theatres and hundreds [...]]]>

Marronnier Park Hyehwa

Marronnier Park takes it’s name from the Marronnier tree that is located in the centre of the park. The park is quite small but plays an important part in the lives of Seoulites.  The park is located near Hyehwa Station. In 1975 the area began to develop. There are now over 50 theatres and hundreds of cafes. The park is located on the old ground of Seoul National University.  Many university students come here to hang out with friends or before they go to the theatre.

There is a stage in the park where small concerts or plays are held. In the centre of the park there is a statue of Kim Sang-ok. Patriot Kim Sang-ok was a freedom fighter against the Imperial Japanese occupation of Korea. Also located in the park is the Arko Art Centre, opening hours 11am – 8pm, Closed on Mondays.

How to get to Marronnier Park Hyehwa:
Take line 4 to Hyehwa station and leave exit 2. The park will be right in front of you.