Blood, Tears &Independence: Korea Colonial Dark History Tour

The "Blood, Tears & Independence: Korea Colonial Dark History Tour" provides a poignant exploration of Korea’s tumultuous past. Over 3.5 hours, visitors will uncover the harsh realities faced by independence activists during Japan’s occupation, witnessing significant landmarks that serve as reminders of their sacrifices. Conducted in English, this emotionally charged tour emphasizes the resilience of the Korean people, offering a deeper appreciation for the hard-won freedoms they now enjoy. Those seeking to understand Korea’s complex history would be wise to consider this insightful experience.

Key Points

• This 3.5-hour tour explores Korea’s fight for independence from Japanese colonial rule, visiting significant landmarks and learning about the sacrifices made.
• The tour highlights the emotional weight of Korea’s struggle, including visiting Seodaemun Prison, where independence activists were imprisoned and tortured.
• Participants will follow the March 1st Movement, a key uprising in Korea’s liberation efforts, and discover the history of Dilkusha, home of journalist Albert W. Taylor.
• The tour offers an immersive experience, with no upfront payment required, and a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is conducted in English and is suitable for groups of up to 10 people, with the meeting point at Dongnimmun Station Exit 5.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour, titled "Blood, Tears & Independence: Korea Colonial Dark History Tour," offers participants a chance to explore Korea’s painful past.

Priced from €26.27 to €52.54 per person, the 3.5-hour tour promises an immersive experience for groups of up to 10. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour, conducted in English, covers significant landmarks related to Korea’s fight for independence, including Seodaemun Prison and Tapgol Park.

Along the way, you will witness the emotional weight of Korea’s struggle against oppression.

Booking is available with no upfront payment required.

Tour Highlights and Experience

Participants on this tour will step into Seodaemun Prison, where they’ll witness the pain of Korea’s independence struggle.

They’ll discover Dilkusha, the home of American journalist Albert W. Taylor, who exposed Japan’s brutality.

At Tapgol Park, they’ll stand where the first cries for freedom rang out in 1919.

Throughout the tour, they’ll experience the emotional weight of Korea’s fight for freedom at every landmark.

They’ll follow the March 1st Movement, a nationwide uprising foundational to Korea’s liberation efforts.

Itinerary and Meeting Point

The tour begins at the Dongnimmun Station Exit 5 (Line 3 Orange Line), where participants should arrive at least 5 minutes early for a 9:30 AM start.

The group will then head to the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, where freedom fighters were imprisoned and tortured during the colonial era.

Next, they’ll visit the Dongnimmun Arch, a symbol of Korea’s lost sovereignty.

The tour culminates at Tapgol Park, the site of the 1919 independence movement.

Along the way, you will experience the emotional weight of Korea’s fight for freedom at each historic landmark.

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

As the tour begins, Seodaemun Prison History Hall stands as a solemn reminder of the plight faced by Korea’s freedom fighters during the colonial era.

Visitors will:

• Witness the bleak cells where independence activists were imprisoned and tortured

• Learn about the horrors of the Japanese occupation, including the use of public executions as a tool of oppression

• Understand the immense sacrifices made by those who risked everything to secure Korea’s independence

• Reflect on the resilience and courage of the Korean people in the face of overwhelming adversity

• Emerge with a profound appreciation for the hard-won freedoms that Koreans enjoy today.

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Dongnimmun Arch

Dongnimmun Arch stands as a poignant symbol of Korea’s lost sovereignty during the colonial era.

This grand archway, built in 1897, was once the entrance to the capital city of the Joseon dynasty.

However, after Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910, the arch became a reminder of the nation’s subjugation.

Visitors can witness the architectural grandeur that once represented Korean independence, now overshadowed by the weight of colonial oppression.

Passing through the arch evokes a sense of loss and the struggle for self-determination that defined this dark chapter in Korea’s history.

Tapgol Park

Tapgol Park stands as the symbolic birthplace of Korea’s independence movement. This hallowed ground witnessed the first public display of resistance against Japanese colonial rule on March 1, 1919.

At this historic site:

• The peaceful protest ignited a nationwide uprising, known as the March 1st Movement.

• Protesters courageously waved the Korean national flag, defying Japanese occupation.

• Demonstrators chanted slogans demanding freedom and self-determination for the Korean people.

• Brutal crackdowns by Japanese authorities led to the arrest and imprisonment of protest leaders.

• The events at Tapgol Park galvanized the spirit of Korean independence that would eventually be realized.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes public transportation fees, an English-speaking guide, and admission fees to the historical sites.

However, meals, travelers insurance, and other personal expenses aren’t covered.

Meals, travelers insurance, and other personal expenses are not included in the tour package.

Bringing strollers or wheelchairs may be inconvenient due to the use of public transportation.

At Dilkusha, visitors may need to remove their shoes, but slippers are provided on-site.

The tour offers an emotional journey through Korea’s painful colonial past, honoring the spirit of those who resisted oppression.

Participants should be prepared for an impactful experience as they explore the landmarks of the nation’s fight for independence.

Important Information

Itinerary for the tour is subject to traffic and weather conditions.

Public transportation may make bringing strollers or wheelchairs inconvenient, so guests should plan accordingly.

Shoes may need to be removed at Dilkusha, but slippers will be provided on-site.

This is an emotional journey through Korea’s painful past, honoring the spirit of those who resisted oppression.

Guests should expect:

• Fluctuations in tour schedule due to external factors

• Potential accessibility challenges on public transport

• Removing shoes at certain historic sites

• Confronting Korea’s colonial history with solemnity

• Bearing witness to the resilience of the Korean people

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it covers Korea’s painful colonial history and could be emotionally heavy. The itinerary may also be inconvenient for those with strollers or wheelchairs.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants can take photos during the tour. However, some sites may have restrictions on photography out of respect for the emotional weight of the historical events. Guests should follow the guide’s instructions regarding photo-taking at each location.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour operator offers a private tour option. Customers can book a private tour for their group if they prefer a more personalized experience. Private tours may have a higher cost but provide greater flexibility and exclusivity.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water and Snacks?

The tour does not include meals, so visitors should plan to bring their own water and snacks. The tour itinerary may not provide convenient opportunities to purchase refreshments during the 3.5-hour experience.

Is There Any Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no specific dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Light, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as the tour involves visiting historical sites and may require removing shoes at certain locations.

The Sum Up

The "Blood, Tears & Independence: Korea Colonial Dark History Tour" offers a profound exploration of Korea’s struggle for independence. Visitors can witness the harsh realities faced by activists and reflect on their sacrifices during the Japanese occupation. The tour emphasizes the resilience of the Korean people, providing a deep appreciation for their hard-won freedoms. It’s a poignant journey through significant landmarks, shedding light on a crucial chapter in Korea’s history.

You can check availability for your dates here: