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.

Ewha Womans University Museum was opened on April 6th, 1935 as part of the effort to preserve Korean cultural heritage in the midst of the Japanese occupation with donations coming from it’s faculty and students. During the Korean war the museum’s contents were moved to Pilsenggak, the main hall of Ewha’s temporary campus in the [...]]]>

Ewha Museum Entrance

Ewha Womans University Museum was opened on April 6th, 1935 as part of the effort to preserve Korean cultural heritage in the midst of the Japanese occupation with donations coming from it’s faculty and students. During the Korean war the museum’s contents were moved to Pilsenggak, the main hall of Ewha’s temporary campus in the city of Busan. When Seoul was regained the museum was moved back to Ewha University. The museum was moved to its current location in 1990. Over the years the Museum was expanded to add a Modern Art Gallery and Special Exhibition Hall.

The museum holds an extensive collection of Korean cultural heritage items ranging from prehistoric Korea to modern times including the Jeseon Period. It houses one National Treasure, the “White Porcelain Jar with Grapevine Design“. On the basement floor you can find artifacts that were donated to the museum. The 1st floor is the permanent exhibition hall which shows us a glimpse into the life of people during the Jeseon Dynasty. The 2nd floor has the modern art gallery and the special exhibition hall. Every few months different exhibition are held here. Currently until the 23rd of July, 2011 they are showcasing traditional and modern artifacts from Korea, China and Japan.

Check out their website for more information Ewha Museum Website.

Opening Hours / Admission:
Monday – Saturday 9:30 – 17:00
Closed Sundays, National Holidays and Summer / Winter Breaks.

Admission is free.

How to get Ewha Womans University Museum:
Take line to Ewha Womans University station and leave exit 2 or 3 and continue walking straight until you reach the university.

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.

Dongdaemun Stadium was located in downtown Seoul. It was demolished on December 18th, 2007 to make way for the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.

Before the stadium was built it was the location of Seoul Fortress wall and Hadomateo (a military camp site) in [...]]]>

Dongdaemun Stadium

Dongdaemun Stadium was located in downtown Seoul. It was demolished on December 18th, 2007 to make way for the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.

Before the stadium was built it was the location of Seoul Fortress wall and Hadomateo (a military camp site) in the Jeseon Dynasty. In 1925, as the invasion of Japan’s Imperial Army was in full swing, the castle walls were destroyed to clear way for the stadium. The Japanese army built and opened Gyungsung stadium in 1926 to celebrate the matrimony of  the Japanese Crown Prince.

The stadium became the main venue for sports events in the city including the Gyeongseong-Pyongyang inter-city soccer tournament in the 1930s. The stadium included a multi-purpose athletics stadium, a baseball park and other sports facilities

After the liberation from the Japanese colonial rule, the stadium was the location for mass celebrations, as almost 250,000 citizens gathered at the venue on August 15, 1945, to celebrate the liberation. Gyeongseong Stadium was renamed Seoul Stadium and later became know as Dongdaemun Stadium. It was used to host public ceremonies and government led sports event’s to promote sport’s policies. Additional construction was undertaken in 1962 to modernize the two existing venues as well as create a swimming pool, volleyball courts and soft clay tennis courts. Floodlights were added to the baseball venue in 1966 and the athletics venue in 1968 to allow for nighttime sporting events.

After the construction of Jamsil Stadium in 1980, the Dongdaemun Stadium’s function became limited. The baseball field was only used to host college or high school games and the athletic track / football field served as a temporary parking lot and market.

Finally, on December 18th, 2007 the demolition of Dongdaemun Stadium began ending it’s 83 years with the people of Seoul. To see the development that is currently taking place on the old grounds of Dongdaemun Stadium, click here. Also to find out more information and get a map to visit the Dongdaemun Stadium Memorial, click here.