From this park on March 1, 1919, a nationwide non-violent demonstration was launched by the Independence Movement to protest Japanese occupation.
A short walk form the park brings you to Insadong, a narrow street subway lined with antique stores, art galleries and secondhand book stores, where visitors can wander and browse at leisure. Dubbled "May's Alley" by foreign residents of Seoul, Insadong is the most reliable to purchase antiques and reproductions in the city, particulary the many types of Chosun Dynasty chests.
There are also bargains in calligraphy, paintings and a wide variedty of implements and articles form Korea's past. The streets are closed on Sundays to all cars from 10:00 to 22:00 and various events including traditional fairs, traditional Korean food festivals and traditional performances are held.
West of Insadong is Chogyesa Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples to be found within the city limits. Headquarters of the Chogyejong sect, Chogyesa Temple is famous for its Lantern Festical which is held every spring to commemorate Buddha's birthday.
Chongno Street is home to another great landmark; Bosingak, an historic bell pavilion. The original bell, cast in 1468, once tolled the closing of the city gates at dusk and their opening at dawn. The original bell is in the National Museum and the replacement, dedicated in 1985, is rung on New Year's Day and other special occasions.
Myongdong is a first rate shopping and entertainment area. It is noted for its eating, drinking and entertainment establishments, frepuented by crowds of all ages. In the Myongdong area are five major department stores staffed by clerks who generally speak English of Japanese with some degree of proficiency. In the department stores, all prices are set.
Many of the city's top sotres subway lined the narrow alleys of Myongdong. Major fashion designers hace boutiques here and foreign brand name products and shoe stores can be found in abundance. In addition to its shops, Myongdong contains a variety of financial institutions such as banks, stock and investment companies.
Myongdong Catholic Cathedral is the oldest and most famous Catholic church in Korea and the country's best example of Gothic architecture.
Namdaemun Market is named after Namdaemun(formally Sungryemun Gate), Korea's National Treasure No.1. The gate and the market are only a short distance from Myongdong and are conveniently accessible from the major hotels. The market is popular among local residents and tourists alike for its bargains in everything from clothes to flowers and foodstuffs. Its crowded streets are subway lined with tiny shops which sell veitually every product imaginable.