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Blood & Tears: Korea Independence & Resistance Dark History Tour

By TOURSTORY
10 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$97 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 7h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

Our history tour offers two compelling package options, each uncovering a different chapter of Korea’s hard-fought freedom. Choose one or experience both for a fuller understanding of Korea’s spirit and history.

PACKAGE 1:【Then: Fight for Independence】
Step back to Korea’s colonial era at Seodaemun Prison History Hall, where freedom fighters endured brutal torture and imprisonment. Visit Dongnimmun Arch, a symbol of lost sovereignty, then explore Dilkusha, home to an American journalist who exposed Japan’s atrocities. End at Tapgol Park, the birthplace of the March 1st Movement.

PACKAGE 2:【Now: Road to Democracy】
Explore Korea’s road to democracy at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History to understand postwar struggles, then wander Tongin Traditional Market for lunch. Then, visit Namsan KCIA headquarters and the Korea Democracy Foundation, sites of political oppression, surveillance and the brave fight for democracy.

You may choose one or both for fuller understanding.

Activity location

  • Seodaemun Prison History Hall
    • 484 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu,
    • 03628, Seoul, South Korea

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Gwanghwamun
    • 종로1.2.3.4가동
    • 종로1.2.3.4가동, 서울특별시, South Korea

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Now: Road to Democracy

  • Activity duration is 7 hours7h
    7h
  • English

Destination: National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, Tongin Market, Namsan (Former KCIA), Korea Democracy Foundation
Meeting Point: Please be in front of Gwanghwamun Station Exit 7 by 9:45am. Ktourstory guide will be there for you.

Language options: English
Starting time: 9:50 AM
Price details
NZ$96.75 x 1 AdultNZ$96.75
Total
Price is NZ$96.75
Until Tue, 5 May

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    English Speaking Guide
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Admission Fees
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Public Transport Fees during the tour
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Meals
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Travellers Insurance
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Other Personal Expenses

Know before you book

  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Itinerary is subjected to traffic & weather condition.
  • This tour involves travelling by public transport, so bringing strollers or wheelchairs may be inconvenient.
  • [PACKAGE 1] You may need to remove your shoes when visiting Dilkusha to help preserve the historic residence. Slippers will be provided on-site.
  • [PACKAGE 2] Please note that the visit to the Korea Democracy Foundation may be adjusted depending on on-site conditions.

Activity itinerary

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

  • 1h 35m
  • Admission ticket included
【Then: Fight for Independence Tour】 Step into the brutal past of Korea’s independence struggle. This former prison held, tortured, and executed countless freedom fighters under Japanese rule. Walk through dark cells, witness torture chambers, and feel the pain of those who sacrificed everything for Korea’s freedom.

Dongnimmun Gate

  • 10m
【Then: Fight for Independence Tour】 A symbol of lost sovereignty and resilience. Built to celebrate Korea’s independence, it later stood as a silent witness to Japanese colonisation. Once a gateway to freedom, now a solemn reminder of the nation's struggle to reclaim its identity.

Dilkusha (Albert W. Taylor House)

  • 30m
【Then: Fight for Independence Tour】 A hidden piece of history—home to an American journalist who exposed Japan’s atrocities to the world. This Western-style house stands as a testament to those who risked everything to tell Korea’s painful truth.

Tapgol Park

  • 30m
【Then: Fight for Independence Tour】 The birthplace of the March 1st Movement. It was here that Korea’s first cries for independence rang out in 1919, sparking a nationwide revolution. Stand where history was made and feel the echoes of courage that led to Korea’s liberation.

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

  • 1h
【Now: Road to Democracy Tour】 Explore Korea’s dramatic transformation from colonisation to democracy. This museum provides key insight into the country’s post-war recovery, rapid industrial growth, and the political struggles that followed. Through powerful exhibits and archival footage, discover the events and movements that shaped modern Korea—and the citizens who demanded change.

Tongin Market

  • 1h
【Now: Road to Democracy Tour】 Walk the vibrant alleys of Tongin Market, once a gathering place for everyday people enduring extraordinary times, and enjoy a traditional lunch amid echoes of the past with Yeopjeong (brass coins).

Namsan

  • 1h
【Now: Road to Democracy Tour】 This peaceful hill hides a dark past. Once home to the KCIA, it was where dissidents were interrogated and tortured during military rule. Today, it serves as a chilling reminder of the cost many paid for speaking out—and the bravery it took to do so.

Korea Democracy Foundation

  • 40m
【Now: Road to Democracy Tour】 Housed in a former police building, this foundation honours Korea’s hard-won democracy. Exhibits on protests, uprisings, and reforms shed light on the citizens who fought for freedom—and remind us of the importance of protecting it. (*Please note that the visit to the Korea Democracy Foundation may be adjusted depending on on-site conditions.)

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Seodaemun Prison History Hall
    • 484 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu,
    • 03628, Seoul, South Korea

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Gwanghwamun
    • 종로1.2.3.4가동
    • 종로1.2.3.4가동, 서울특별시, South Korea
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Dongnimmun
    • Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

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