Korean Dictionary
How to say "Seodaemun Prison" in Korean
“Seodaemun Prison” in Korean is 서대문 형무소 (pronounced "seodaemun hyeongmuso").
서대문 형무소
seodaemun hyeongmuso
Usage & Context
Seodaemun Prison was used by Japanese colonial authorities to imprison Korean independence activists. It now operates as a historical museum educating visitors about the independence movement. It symbolizes Korea resistance against colonial rule.
Example Sentence
서대문 형무소는 일제 강점기의 역사를 보여주는 박물관이에요.
Seodaemun Prison is a museum that shows the history of the Japanese colonial period.
How to use 서대문 형무소 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Seodaemun Prison” is 서대문 형무소, romanized as seodaemun hyeongmuso.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 서대문 형무소.
Pronunciation Guide
서 (seo) sounds like 'suh' in 'summer' but with a slightly more open vowel. 대 (dae) is pronounced like the English word 'day'. 문 (mun) sounds like 'moon'. 형 (hyeong) is similar to 'hyung' in K-pop, like 'hyoung' in 'young' with an 'h' sound. 무 (mu) is like 'moo' (a cow's sound), and 소 (so) is like 'so' in English. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
A person sharing their experience after visiting the museum.
서대문 형무소 역사관에 가서 독립운동가들의 희생을 기렸어요.
I visited Seodaemun Prison History Hall to honor the sacrifices of independence activists.
A history teacher explaining the significance of the site.
서대문 형무소는 한국의 아픈 역사를 보여주는 중요한 장소입니다.
Seodaemun Prison is an important place that shows Korea's painful history.
Suggesting a historical site to a tourist.
외국인 친구에게 서대문 형무소를 추천했어요.
I recommended Seodaemun Prison to my foreign friend.
Cultural Context
Seodaemun Prison (서대문 형무소) is a powerful and somber symbol of Korea's struggle for independence during the Japanese colonial period. It's a must-visit historical site for many Koreans and tourists, offering a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by independence activists. Visiting it is often a deeply moving experience, highlighting the resilience and patriotism of the Korean people. It's frequently referenced in historical documentaries and dramas dealing with the colonial era.
Editorial note
We review entries like 서대문 형무소 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
서대문 형무소 역사관
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
서대문 형무소 방문
Visit Seodaemun Prison
서대문 형무소의 아픈 역사
The painful history of Seodaemun Prison
Related Expressions
독립문
dongnimmun
Independence Gate (nearby landmark)
3.1 운동
sam-il undong
March First Movement (major independence protest)
일제 강점기
ilje gangjeomgi
Japanese colonial period
독립운동가
dongnip undongga
Independence activist
More Korean History Words
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