[Seoul] Dark Tourism: Korea’s Colonial-Era and Modern History Tour

[Blood, Tears & Independence: Korea's Colonial-Era Dark History Tour]

Step into Korea's painful past and witness the dark realities of Japanese colonization. 

This tour follows the road to independence, highlighting the suffering, sacrifice, and relentless resistance of the Korean people. 

Seodaemun Prison History Hall, where Korean freedom fighters - many of them students - were imprisoned, tortured, and executed for daring to resist. 

Stand before Dongnimmun Arch, oncea beacon of Korea's independence hopes, now a solemn reminder of lost sovereignty. 

Explore Dilkusha, home of an American jourmalist who exposed Japan's brutal rule to the world. 

Follow the footsteps of the March 1st Movemenet, a nationwide uprising that became the foundation of Korea's liberation efforts. 

Tapgol Park, where the first cries for freedom rang out, sparking a revolution that ultimately led to independence.

Feel the heartbreak, courage, and unyielding spirit of those who shaped Korea's path to freedom. 

This is more than a tour - it's a powerful journey through oppression, defiance, and Korea's fight for freedom.

[Blood, Tears & Resistance: Korea's Dark Journey to Democracy]

Beneath Korea's rapid rise and gleaming skyline lies a turbulent journey.

A history makred by dictatorship, censorship, and the fearless fight for democracy. This tour uncovers the hidden struggles of Korea's modern political past, spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s. 

Begin at the National Musuem of Korean Contemporary History, where you'll gain cruial context about Korea's post-war reconstruction, military regimes, and citizen resistance.

Then, descend into Korea's darker corners with visits to Namsan KCIA headquarters and the Korea Democracy Foundation, former sites of surveillance, political oppression, and torture. 

This tour brings history to life, echoing moments from acclaimed Korean films like 1987: When the Day Comes and The Man Standing Next. 

Learn how student protests, underground press, and civil movements sparked a revolution that reshaped the nation. 

Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, this journey reveals the the hidden cost behind Korea's success - and the resilience that made democracy possible.

Minimum/Maximum number of tour

One person / 10 people

Operating Duration

[Blood, Tears & Independence: Korea's Colonial-Era Dark History Tour]

Tuesday, Thursday

[Blood, Tears & Resistance: Korea's Dark Journey to Democracy]

Wednesday, Saturday

Tour Schedule

[Blood, Tears & Independence: Korea's Colonial-Era Dark History Tour]

09:30 Meet at Dongnimmun Station Exit 5 (Line 3 Orange Line)
09:35 Seodaemun Prison History Hall
11:10 Dongnimmun Arch (Independence Gate)
11:30 Dilkusha (Former residence of Albert W. Taylor)
12:00 Leave for Tapgol Park (Take subway)
12:30 Tapgol Park (Cradle of K- Democracy)
13:00 Tour ends at Tapgol Park

[Blood, Tears & Resistance: Korea's Dark Journey to Democracy]

09:50  Meet at Gwanghwamun Station Exit 7
10:00 - 10:50 NMKCH(National Museum of Korean Contemporary History)
11:00 Take bus to Tongin Traditional Market
11:10 - 12:10 Tongin Traditional Market(include own expense lunch time)
12:20 Take bus to Namsan
13:00 - 13:40 Namsan (Former KCIA: a site of political oppression and torture)
13:50 Take a subway to Korea Democracy Foundation
14:30 - 15:30 Korea Democracy Foundation (A Site of Political Oppression and Torture)
15:30 Dismiss at Sookmyung Women's University Station

[Blood, Tears & Independence: Korea's Colonial-Era Dark History Tour]

Dongnimmun Station Exit 5 (Subway Line 3 Orange Line)

[Blood, Tears & Resistance: Korea's Dark Journey to Democracy]

1. Select an option and reserve the tour for your desired date.

2. Check mobile voucher or email voucher.

※ Voucher will be sent after the operator confirms your reservation.

3. On the day of the tour, arrive on time at the meeting point and meet the guide.

1. The itinerary is subject to traffic/weather conditions.

2. Infants are free of charge, and no seat is available.

3. One day before departure, we will send you a reminder email between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. This email will contain a link to a group chat where you'll be able to communicate directly with our tour staff. If you can not find the email, please check your spam or junk email section.

4. This tour involves traveling by public transportation, so bringing strollers or wheelchairs may be inconvenient.

5. You may need to remove your shoes when visiting Dilkusha to help preserve the historic residence. Slippers will be provided on-site. 

• Cancellation before 1 day by 10AM(KST) : 100% Refund

• Afterwards : No Refund