Day 9 - Seodaemun Prison

I had never heard of Seodaemun Prison before, but it was a fruitful experience visiting the museum as it added to the educational aspect of this trip, and helped us learn more about Korea’s rich history. The building was brick red from outside, and since it was constructed at around the 1900s, it looked quite old.

We took pictures, all brimming with curiosity about just what the prison’s history was. Soon, my friends and I were being led by a guide who explained to us that the prison was used during the Japanese Colonial Period to house Korean liberation activists. About 3000 were imprisoned. And not all of the prison’s buildings were preserved, only seven out of fifteen remained.

Afterwards, we were led upstairs where we could see all the different ways the Japanese tortured the prisoners. One such method was hanging the prisoner upside down and pouring scalding water on them. It was really horrible to imagine all the sorts of torture that happened before in the very same place.

We also got to visit a memorial hall and the prison cells themselves. Our guide explained that more than 20 people would be in a cell, and there was no toilet or bucket for them to relieve themselves. Standing there in the cell with my friends, I really understood how terrible the living conditions were for the prisoners. That day, I had a new dream–world peace.

Written by Peggy Tan as ODAO