The ‘Donuimun Museum Village’ is a modern reinterpretation of the area where Seodaemun once stood, preserving the past neighborhood in a contemporary way. This project revives the memories of modern and contemporary history, transforming the entire village into a museum-like space.
It recreates the scenes of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, portraying public hanoks and alleyways reminiscent of childhood memories.
“The Former Seoul Western Gate, Called Donuimun”
Within the Hanyang Fortress, there are four main gates, with the most famous being ‘Namdaemun,’ also known as ‘Sungnyemun.’ Designated as a national treasure, Sungnyemun holds significant historical importance. The ‘Heunginjimun,’ also known as Dongdaemun, is another gate that has been well-preserved to this day. The Northern Gate, Sujongmun, relatively less known and recognized, has still been well-maintained.
However, Seodaemun is the only one where only the site remains, and its physical structure is no longer present. For various reasons, Seodaemun is now a forlorn gate with only its foundations remaining. Originally called Donuimun, meaning “thick with principles,” it earned the name Donuimun.
“Why Seodaemun Disappeared”
Initially built in 1396 during the final phase of the second city wall construction in Hanyang, Donuimun was one of the eight gates erected. However, due to unfavorable geomantic conditions, it was closed in 1413. After its closure, a temporary gate named Seojeonmun was used. Unfortunately, Seojeonmun was demolished in 1422.
Later, a new gate named Donuimun was erected on a hill in Sinmunno, and it was referred to as Donuimun once again. Unfortunately, during the Japanese colonial period in 1915, amid the development of Keijo (present-day Seoul), Seodaemun faced demolition. It posed an obstacle to the progress of the tram track conversion project. The roof tiles and wood from Donuimun were auctioned, selling for 205 won and 50 jeon to a person named Yeom Deok-gi.
“Donuimun, Also Called Saemun, the New Gate”
Through the cycles of creation, disappearance, and resurrection, Donuimun was also referred to as ‘Saemun’ or the ‘new gate.’ The street behind this gate was named ‘Saemunan-gil,’ leading to the area being called the ‘Saemunan neighborhood.’
“Seodaemun Couldn’t Be Restored, but Saemunan Village Is Reborn as Donuimun Museum Village”
The site where Seodaemun once stood still only preserves the foundations of Seodaemun or Donuimun. The full restoration seems unlikely. Fortunately, a new village called the ‘Donuimun Museum Village’ has emerged in the same location.
Although unable to perfectly replicate the past appearance, the village reinterprets the Donuimun area, preserving its nostalgic ambiance. The village offers various experiential spaces, including well-preserved public hanoks. From museums and exhibition spaces that showcase the village’s old charm to spaces providing diverse experiences, the Donuimun Museum Village has it all.
“Donuimun Museum Showcasing the History of Saemunan Village”
At the heart of the village stands the Donuimun Museum, exhibiting the history of Saemunan Village. It preserves the history of the diverse architectural structures that once coexisted in Saemunan Village.
“Free Exploration of Various Spaces at Donuimun Museum Village”
Besides the museum, visitors can explore various spaces for free. Wandering through the Donuimun Museum Village allows you to appreciate the streets preserving old memories. Moreover, you can enjoy diverse experiences without any charge. I had the opportunity to enter the ‘Computer Game Room,’ which recreated the atmosphere of an old arcade with games like Street Fighter 2, Pac-Man, and raccoon. What’s even better is that you can play these classic games for free.
Other places you can find in Donuimun Museum Village include:
- Independence Activists’ House
- Donuimun Police Box
- Citizen’s Gallery
- Seoul Future Heritage Museum
- Living History Exhibition Hall
- 6080 Sensibility Space: Saemunan Theater, Donuimun Computer Game Room/Saemunan Manga Room, Seodaemun Photo Studio, Samgeori Iyongwon
- Artist Gallery
- Village Creation Studio
- Experience Education Center Master Gallery
“Twice-Daily Tours of Donuimun Museum Village”
Donuimun Museum Village conducts guided tours twice a day. The tour provides explanations about the formation process of the museum village and offers an overall guide to the village. The tour schedule is as follows:
“Donuimun Village Tour”
- Start Time: 12:30 PM / 4:00 PM (twice daily)
This village offers a chance to step back in time in the heart of Seoul’s Gwanghwamun area. It’s an ideal place for capturing photos in a nostalgic setting and exploring traces of the past. Since the neighborhood is quite extensive, taking your time to visit is recommended.
“Seoul Seodaemun, Donuimun Museum Village”
- Address: 14-3 Songwol-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-739-6994
- Operating Hours: (Tue-Sun) 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Performances for workers 12:20 PM – 1:00 PM)
- Closed: Mondays
- Website: https://dmvillage.info