Independence Hall of Korea

The Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan is the country's largest history museum devoted to the modern history of Korea, with a focus on the independence movement under Japanese colonial rule. A public fundraising campaign began in 1982 in response to distorted Japanese history textbooks, and the donations paid for a museum that opened on Liberation Day, 15 August 1987. With extensive outdoor grounds as well, it deserves a full day.

History: a museum built with public donations

The fundraising campaign started in August 1982, and a construction committee was formed the same year. Building work began on 15 August 1983, but in August 1986 a fire broke out in the central Hall of the Nation shortly before completion, delaying the opening. After repairs, the museum opened in 1987 on the 42nd anniversary of liberation.

Admission has been free since 2008, and total visitor numbers passed 40 million in 2011. It is now run by an agency under the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

What to see

• Hall of the Nation (Gyeore-ui Jip): The symbol of the museum, described as the largest tiled-roof building in Asia. Inside stands a large sculpture expressing the indomitable spirit of independence.
• Monument of the Nation: The 52 m structure you see straight ahead as you enter.
• Seven permanent exhibition halls: Set behind the Hall of the Nation, they tell the history of the Korean people and the independence movement theme by theme. There are reconstructions of Seodaemun Prison and Taehwagwan, where the 1919 Declaration of Independence was read.
• Remains of the Japanese Government-General Building: Pieces of the colonial headquarters demolished in front of Gyeongbokgung in 1995, including the top of its dome and columns, were brought here and laid out in a low, sunken circular area. It is a chance to see up close what remains of the building that once blocked the view of the palace.
• Taegeukgi Plaza: 815 Korean flags fly here all year round.
• Millennium Forest and Unification Train: A forest planted in the shape of the Korean peninsula, with a "Unification Train" made from a diesel locomotive and old Mugunghwa passenger cars.
• Hill of Hope for Reunification and Baengnyeon Pond: Walking paths and a pond for a break after the exhibitions.

Good to know

The halls also hold full-size replicas of the Gwanggaeto Stele and the Bukgwan Victory Monument. The latter records a victory of volunteer soldiers during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s. It stood at Yasukuni Shrine in Japan before being returned to North Korea in 2006, and the museum displays a copy.

Tripto tips

• Opening: March–October 09:30–18:00, November–February 09:30–17:00, last entry one hour before closing. Closed on Mondays, except when Monday is a public holiday.
• Fees: Admission is free. Parking is paid, and the shuttle around the large grounds has its own fare.
• Time needed: Allow 2–3 hours for a few halls, or a full day for everything. Even the walk from the gate to the Hall of the Nation takes a while.
• Getting there: City buses from Cheonan Bus Terminal or Cheonan Station take about 40 minutes.
• When to go: It is busy around Independence Movement Day (1 March) and Liberation Day (15 August), when many events are held. In autumn the maple-lined paths are good for a walk.