This English-guided walking tour takes you to the sites of the dark chapters of modern Korean history, from the independence movement under Japanese colonial rule to the democracy movement against military dictatorship. Package 1 follows the struggle for independence through Seodaemun Prison History Hall, Independence Gate, Dilkusha and Tapgol Park, while Package 2 traces the road to democracy through the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, Tongin Market and the former KCIA headquarters site on Namsan. Groups are limited to 10 people, and public transport fares during the tour and entrance fees are included. Hear real stories of the courage and sacrifice of people who stood up against oppression.

Walk through the sites of independence and democracy
with an English-speaking guide

This walking tour follows the stories of people who fought against oppression to historic sites across Seoul. Choose one of two packages, each showing a different chapter of the freedom Korea won through hardship. You travel between sites by public transport, and fares and entrance fees are included.

Package 1: Follow the path to independence
from Seodaemun Prison to Tapgol Park

Meet your guide at 9:30 AM at Dongnimmun Station Exit 5 and head to Seodaemun Prison History Hall, where independence activists were imprisoned, tortured and executed for their resistance. Seeing the cells and torture rooms, reflect on their suffering and sacrifice. Then move on to Independence Gate, built to commemorate the nation's independence, which later witnessed Japanese colonial rule.

Next, visit Dilkusha, the former home of American journalist Albert W. Taylor, who told the world about Japan's brutal rule. The tour ends at 1:00 PM at Tapgol Park, where the first cries for independence rang out in 1919 and sparked a nationwide uprising.

Package 2: Walk the road to democracy
from the history museum to Namsan

Meet your guide at 9:50 AM at Gwanghwamun Station Exit 7 and learn about postwar reconstruction, military rule and civil resistance at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. Then stroll the lively alleys of Tongin Market and take a lunch break (meal at your own expense).

In the afternoon, visit the former KCIA headquarters site on Namsan to look into the dark side of modern Korean history. The tour ends at 4:00 PM at a place once used for surveillance, political repression and torture. These sites, once used to suppress dissent, show how hard-won Korea's democracy was.

※ The itinerary may change depending on traffic and weather.

• Please check your mobile voucher by email or in the WAUG app.
• Arrive at the meeting point of your selected package at least 5 minutes before the tour starts and meet your guide.
• Valid only on the selected date and time.

Meeting point (Package 1 Colonial-era history tour):
Dongnimmun Station Exit 5 (Line 3)

Meeting point information:
Meet at 9:30 AM at Dongnimmun Station Exit 5. Your guide will be waiting at the exit. The tour ends at Tapgol Park (99 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul).

Meeting point (Package 2 Democracy history tour):
Gwanghwamun Station Exit 7

Meeting point information:
Meet by 9:45 AM at Gwanghwamun Station Exit 7. Your guide will be waiting at the exit. The tour ends at 100 Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

Cancellation & refund

• Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the activity date.

Restrictions

• Groups are limited to 10 participants.
• The tour uses public transport, so strollers or wheelchairs may be inconvenient.

On-site information

• The tour is guided in English.
• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before the tour starts.
• The meeting place, time and end point differ by package.
• Meals are not included; lunch at Tongin Market in Package 2 is at your own expense.
• At Dilkusha in Package 1, you may need to remove your shoes to preserve the historic house; slippers are provided on site.
• The itinerary may change depending on traffic and weather.