Lunchtime Walk to Seodaemun Prison History Hall: I Could Feel History

A Visit to the Seodaemun Prison History Hall: Recalling the Pain and Lessons of History

Seodaemun Prison, a Place of Deep Historical Significance

Today, I want to share my story about visiting the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a bit away from Gwanghwamun, during my lunchtime walk. This place is a space that embodies the history of hardship and resistance during the Japanese colonial period and after liberation. It's a place where you can honor the sacrifices of independence activists and pro-democracy activists and learn valuable lessons.

Seodaemun Prison was opened in 1908 by the Japanese under the name Gyeongseong Prison and was used as a prison until the 1980s. This place, built with red bricks and in the form of a panopticon, a circular prison structure, vividly shows the surveillance and oppression system of that time. It is also well-known as a place where many patriots, including independence activist Yu Gwan-sun, were imprisoned.

Symbolism of the Red Brick Outer Wall and the Taegeukgi

As you enter the entrance, the red brick outer wall comes into view. This wall is not just a simple structure but symbolizes the pain and sacrifice of the countless people imprisoned within it. A large Taegeukgi (Korean flag) is hung outside, emphasizing the symbolism of the independence movement.

Inside, the narrow prison cells where the prisoners were confined and the wooden doors are preserved, allowing me to vividly feel the horrors of that era. The stuffy air felt in the narrow and dark prison cells seemed to convey the pain and despair that the prisoners experienced.

Historical Materials Encountered at the Exhibition Hall

At the exhibition hall, I was able to see various materials related to the history of Seodaemun Prison. In particular, in the National Resistance Room, exhibits showing the activities of independence activists and the reality of Japanese oppression were impressive.

Among them, the underground prison cell and execution site where Yu Gwan-sun was imprisoned were spaces that vividly conveyed the tragic history of that time. The heavy air felt here made visitors reflect on the pain of history. The stories contained in each artifact conveyed a powerful message that went beyond a simple exhibition.

Oppression and Solitude Felt in the Exercise Yard

Also, the exercise yard was very impressive. The exercise yard was a space where prisoners could bask in the sun and exercise, but it was structured in a radial shape, making communication with each other impossible. Standing in this place, I could feel the frustration and solitude that the prisoners must have felt at the time.

Recalling their lives, where freedom was completely deprived even in a small space where a single ray of sunlight shone through, I realized once again the preciousness of the freedom we enjoy today.

A Space of Lessons for the Present and Future

Seodaemun Prison is not just a museum that records the past, but a space that provides lessons for the present and future. It was a time to once again realize how important it is to not forget and remember history.

In particular, I was able to reflect on how much the freedom and peace we enjoy today was built on the sacrifices of so many people. The stories of people who tried to find hope even in the pain of the past, which I encountered at the exhibition, resonated deeply with me.

Visiting Recommendation: Experience the Historical Site Firsthand

Although it is a bit far from Gwanghwamun, it is worth visiting by bus. If you want to directly see and feel a historical site and look back on the past, I recommend the Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

What you can feel here is not just a record of the past, but a sense of responsibility to protect the freedom and rights given to us today. If time permits, be sure to visit.