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

Things to do


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 ¥12,379 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥12,379
¥13,617 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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 ...
Shilla Stay Seodaemun Seoul Station
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is ¥19,045 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥19,045
¥20,949 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (2,660 reviews)
"Location is very good. Room cleanliness is an area of improvement."

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025

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 ¥21,530 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥21,530
¥23,683 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (2,864 reviews)
Seoul stay
"Stayed at this hotel on our return to Seoul from Japan for 2 nights before flying home and all I can see is I wish we’d stayed here the first time round in Seoul. The room was huge compared to other hotels we’ve stayed at in either Japan or South Korea. Was very clean and had a nice bathroom. Decent ..."

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

Fairfield by Marriott Seoul

4 out of 5
870, GYEONGIN-RO YEONGDEUNGPO-GU, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥11,735 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥11,735
¥12,908 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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 ...
Fairfield by Marriott Seoul
ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong (Newly renovated in 2025)

ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong (Newly renovated in 2025)

4 out of 5
31, Samil-daero 30-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
The price is ¥14,072 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥14,072
¥15,479 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong (Newly renovated in 2025)
Grand Hyatt Seoul

Grand Hyatt Seoul

5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is ¥36,783 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
¥36,783
¥44,507 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
Grand Hyatt Seoul
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