Seodaemun-gu

Seoul

Seodaemun-gu featuring a city and signage
Seodaemun-gu featuring street scenes and a city as well as a couple
Seodaemun-gu which includes a city and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Seodaemun-gu which includes signage
Seodaemun-gu showing modern architecture
Discover the place where the Great West Gate of Hanyang once stood in what is now a surprisingly diverse outer suburb of Seoul.

Seodaemun-gu, just northwest of the Seoul city center, shows you a very different side of modern, bustling Seoul. Visit the natural history museum, a historic prison, the Bongwon Temple and the oldest train station in Seoul. Get some downtime by a babbling stream and on a forest-clad mountain.

Seodaemun means “Great West Gate” in Korean. This “gu” (district) was once home to one of the gates of the walled Joseon capital of Hanyang. Today, Seodaemun District is a pleasant residential area with a wide range of heritage attractions and leisure activities.

While Seodaemun is the name of a station on subway line 5, head for the Hongje station or Dongnimmun station instead to see the main sights.

Seodaemun-gu is home to Mount Ansan. Standing just 967 feet (295 meters) tall and with trees providing ample shade, it’s a nice place to go for a hike. You’ll be joining the locals, who regularly exercise here among the wild flowers, pine trees and cherry blossom trees. A track called Jarak-gil loops around the mountain and offers different views of Seoul on every turn. Take in the sea of skyscrapers, which stretches as far as the eye can see. Once at the summit, stand by the stone Ansan Beacon Mound to see Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain.

Don’t miss the Seodaemun Museum of Natural History, just to the west, and the Bongwon Buddhist Temple with a lotus garden on the mountain’s southern slope.

Hongjecheon Stream, a tributary of the Hangang River, flows through the neighborhood and is best reached from Hongje station. Admire its musical fountain and waterfall and follow its walking paths.

Seodaemun Independence Park, built on the former Seoul Gochiso (Detention Camp), is home to the towering Dongnimmun (Independence) Gate. Next door, visit the Seodaemun Prison History Hall to learn more about the Japanese Colonial Era.

For something more uplifting, go fashion shopping in the streets surrounding the old Sinchon Railway Station, Seoul’s first train station.This is also the area of Seodaemun-gu where you’ll find the more trendy cafés, attracting the students of the Ehwa Women’s University.


Popular places to visit


Seodaemun-gu Hotel Deals

Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station

Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station

4 out of 5
76, Chungjeong-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is NT$2,523 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$2,523
NT$2,776 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,671 reviews)
"직원들은 친절하고, 위치, 교통편, 주변 환경도 좋았습니다.~ 15층에 배정되어 시티뷰도 휼륭했어요~ 다만 객실 내부는 노후화되어 청소를 해도 청소한 티가 나지 않는 듯한 곳이 보였고, 벽지는 좀 들뜬 곳이 많았습니다. 그래도 객실 내부 상태를 제외하고는 편안하게 지내다 가서 다음에 또 숙박하고 싶은 곳이었습니다."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station
Swiss Grand Hotel

Swiss Grand Hotel

5 out of 5
353 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, ICN
The price is NT$4,009 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
NT$4,009
NT$4,851 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namdaemun ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (787 reviews)
"I like the space and room plan. I would have rated this a five star if not for the the cost of WIFI. You have to pay for the use of WIFI. Although a little bit dated, the room was clean and towels were provided every day."

Reviewed on 2025/6/12

Swiss Grand Hotel
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is NT$3,866 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$3,866
NT$4,252 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,608 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is NT$4,586 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
NT$4,586
NT$5,044 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,844 reviews)
Cost efficient stay
"Clean, equipped enough, a convenient location, great accessibility - a cost efficient stay"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

4 out of 5
870, GYEONGIN-RO YEONGDEUNGPO-GU, Seoul
The price is NT$2,187 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$2,187
NT$2,405 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Good service by the staff to assign room away from construction noise. Good location for food and transport to malls and airport."

Reviewed on 2025/7/22

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

4 out of 5
15, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is NT$5,112 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
NT$5,112
NT$5,623 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,670 reviews)
"The Splaisir Sotetsu Myeongdong is simply unbeatable when it comes to location. Nestled right in the heart of Myeongdong, it offers immediate access to the vibrant shopping streets, countless dining options, and excellent transportation links — everything is just a few steps away. Limousine bus stop ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Seodaemun-gu

Hongdae which includes street scenes, outdoor art and signage

Hongdae

Urban arts and indie music thrive near Hongik University, with graffiti murals adorning Hongdae Mural Street and live music venues aplenty. Shop at independent clothing stalls, vintage shops, and visit quirky theme cafes.

Hongdae
Seoul World Cup Stadium

Mapo-gu

4.5/5(244 area reviews)

Home to universities and the vibrant Hongdae club district, Mapo District boasts a lively cultural scene and diverse shopping and dining options. Easily accessible via multiple subway lines, don't miss the iconic Seoul World Cup Stadium and nearby parks.

Mapo-gu
Deoksugung Palace featuring a garden as well as a small group of people

Sogong-dong

Visitors to Sogong-dong love its popular shops, and you can check out Namdaemun Market and Seoul Museum of Art. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at City Hall Station.

Sogong-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market featuring signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(380 area reviews)

Historic center of Seoul, Jongno District boasts palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, museums such as Art Center Nabi, and the vibrant Gwangjang Market. Explore Insa-dong, Cheonggyecheon stream, and Jogyesa temple for a rich cultural experience.

Jongno-gu
Insadong which includes shopping as well as a small group of people

Insa-dong

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers come to Insa-dong for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Insa-dong and Cheonggyecheon while you're in town.

Insa-dong
Namdaemun Market which includes a city, street scenes and markets

Hoehyeon-dong

While you're in Hoehyeon-dong, take in top sights like Namdaemun Market and jump on the metro at Hoehyeon Station to see more of the city.

Hoehyeon-dong

Seodaemun-gu