Independence Gate (Dongnimmun)

About this place

The Independence Gate (Dongnimmun), located in Seodaemun Independence Park, is a monument erected after the Gabo Reform by tearing down the Yeongeunmun Gate—where Chinese envoys had been received—in order to affirm the resolve for independent sovereignty. The Gabo Reform was a reform movement that pushed for domestic administrative and institutional reform. However, due to interference from foreign powers, it did not succeed, nor was the nation's independent sovereignty achieved. Thereupon, as a pledge that the people would allow no interference of any kind for the sake of the nation's independence and freedom, they tore down the Yeongeunmun Gate, where Chinese envoys had been greeted, and erected the Independence Gate in its place. In the center of this gate, built by stacking granite, is an arched hongyemun (rainbow gate), and inside on the left is a stone staircase leading to the top. At the top runs a stone balustrade, and on the keystone at the center of the arch is carved the plum blossom pattern that was the symbol of the Joseon dynasty. Above it, on both the front and back, are the characters for "Dongnimmun (Independence Gate)" in Korean and Chinese, with the Taegukgi (national flag) carved on either side. Nearby stands Seodaemun Prison, so together with the Independence Gate one can take a historical journey reflecting on the yearning for democracy and the will to freedom.