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Constructed in 1898 as a result of the initiation of Dr So Jae-pil, Dongnimmun (Independence Gate), Seoul resembling Paris' Arch of Triumph was built on the place of Yongunmun Gate, which had been the symbol for the subservient diplomacy of Korea. With a view to exciting the spirit of independence, Yongunmun Gate was demolished and in its place Dongnimmun Gate was built. In the year 1979, Dongnimmun (Independence Gate) was shifted to 70 meters northwest of the original site due to construction of Seongsandae-ro Road. Together with the nearby Dongnimmun, Independence Hall was the representation of Korea's spirit of anti-foreign infringement and national sovereignty toward the end of the Joseon period. The edifice was initially termed as Mohwagwan and was used for providing entertainment to Chinese ambassadors. However, after the reform of 1894 (Gabo Gyeongjang) So Jae-pil and his Dongnip Hyeopae (Independence Club) renovated and renamed it as Independence Hall. Dongnimmun (Independence Gate) was used for patriotic forums to encourage self-government, self-reliance, and rights of the people until it was ruined by the Japanese. The unique hall was a one-story building in a conventional Korean architectural approach. About 350 meters southwest from the current building's location, it stood. Between the phase of December 1995 and December 1996, Seoul City Government built the present building. The total structure was based on chronological information, but with the addition of an underground and secretive floor. There are also other things to see at Dongnimmun (Independence Gate), Seoul. Memorial tablets of Koreans who sacrificed their lives fighting for Korea's independence from Japanese colonial rule are enshrined on the ground floor. At this ground floor you will also find an exhibition hall. This exhibition hall can easily be termed as an interesting museum for the underground floor itself holds a variety of events and is used as storage space for historic relics. Nearby you will find Seodaemun Prison.
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