Tapgol Park Park

Address: Tapgol-gil / Jongno district, near Jongno 2-ga station, Seoul, South Korea

Hours: Typically open daily (park hours vary by season)

Tapgol Park is a small historic public park in central Seoul’s Jongno district, created in 1897 as Korea’s first modern public park. It occupies the former site of the Wongaksa temple and contains important monuments linked to modern Korean history.

The park’s most prominent feature is the multi-story stone pagoda from the former Wongaksa temple, set near paved paths and mature trees. A commemorative stele and monument mark the spot associated with the March 1, 1919 independence proclamation, making the site important for civic remembrance.

The park was established on the grounds of the former Wongaksa temple and retained several temple relics when converted to public open space at the end of the 19th century. It later became a focal point for commemorations of the 1919 independence movement.

Tapgol Park sits in central Seoul’s Jongno district, within walking distance of Insadong and major subway stations, and is embedded in one of the city’s primary cultural and historical neighbourhoods.

• First modern park in Korea: The site was laid out as Korea’s first modern public park in 1897 and remains a compact, centrally located green space in Jongno.
• Access and crowding: The park is a short walk from major central Seoul stops and is busiest around national holidays and March 1 commemorations.

What to See#

• Wongaksa Pagoda: A ten-story stone pagoda originally part of the buried Wongaksa temple complex, standing in the park and one of its most visible historic monuments.
• March 1st Movement Monument: A stone monument and inscribed stele marking the site where Korea’s March 1, 1919 independence declaration was publicly read, central to modern Korean history.

A short walk from Jongno 3-ga or Jongno 2-ga subway stations on Seoul Metro lines; the park sits within easy reach of central Seoul attractions.

• Visit early to avoid school groups - mid-morning the park fills with local tours.
• Look for the original stone pagoda (Wongaksa Pagoda) and the 3·1 Independence Movement monument; their plaques provide concise historical context.