Blood & Tears: Korea Independence & Resistance Dark History Tour
Overview
About
This tour will take you on a journey through the darkest periods of Korea's independence and resistance movements. You will visit the sites where the Korean people fought against Japanese colonial rule, and where they suffered greatly. This tour is not for the faint of heart, as it will take you through some of the most difficult and painful periods in Korean history.
What you'll do
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.
What is included?
- Public Transportation Fees during the tour
- English Speaking Guide
- Admission Fees
- Entry/Admission - Seodaemun Prison History Hall
What is not included?
- Meals
- Travelers Insurance
- Other Personal Expenses
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- Itinerary is subjected to traffic & weather condition.
- This tour involves traveling by public transportation, so bringing strollers or wheelchairs may be inconvenient.
- You may need to remove your shoes when visiting Dilkusha to help preserve the historic residence. Slippers will be provided on-site.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Meet your host
Itinerary
Seoul Cultural Festivals Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do
Explore the full itinerary for Blood & Tears: Korea Independence & Resistance Dark History Tour in Seoul, South Korea. This cultural festivals experience includes 8 stops over 1 day. Duration: 7 hours. Activity level: Extreme.
Here is the starting point
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
【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.Read moreMore about Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Dongnimmun Gate
【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 colonization. Once a gateway to freedom, now a solemn reminder of the nation's struggle to reclaim its identity.Read moreMore about Dongnimmun Gate
Dilkusha (Albert W. Taylor House)
Tapgol Park
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
【Now: Road to Democracy Tour】 Explore Korea’s dramatic transformation from colonization 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.Read moreMore about National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Tongin Market
【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).Read moreMore about Tongin Market
Namsan
【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.Read moreMore about Namsan
Korea Democracy Foundation
This concludes the tour.
