Symbolic Landscaping
The Grand Hall of the Nation
It is the symbol of the Independence Hall of Korea and the building that plays the role as the center memorial hall. As the size of a soccer field with 126m in length, 68m in width, and 15 stories high with 45m in height it is the largest tile building in the oriental region. It is a building with a doubled roof designed to resemble Sudeoksa (temple) and Daeungjeon during the Goryeo dynasty.
The Statue of Indomitable Koreans
It is located in the center inside the Grand Hall of the Nation. As a symbolic structure that invigorates patriotism, it expresses the independence spirit and strong will of Korea. It is composed of 274 granite stones that weigh 3~4 tons each. Its posture expresses the undying spirit for sovereignty, independence, peace and prosperity of Koreans who received the energy from Mt. Baekdu. The lake of Mt. Baekdu is engraved in the center at the back.
Monument to the Nation
The monument to the nation which expresses the soar of the nation resembles the wings of a bird flying up in the sky and the hands folded to make a prayer. It expresses the perpetual spirit of the nation in the past, present and future. It also holds the will towards sovereignty and independence of the nation. There is a sculpture carving of the althea and Taegeukgi on the front and back. There are mosaic pieces that symbolizes the four faithfuls, Cheongryeong, Baekho, Jujak and Hyeonmu, on the four sides in the monument. It is a large structure that is 51m high.
Exhibition of the Remains of the Japanese Government General Building
The Japanese government-general building, which was the chief administrative building in Seoul during the Japanese occupation of Korea, was removed to clean the remaining vestiges of Japanese imperialism and restore Korean people’s undying spirit of independence in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of national liberation on August 15, 1995. This park, in which the removed parts are on display, has symbolized the end of a tragic national history and the beginning of a bright future.
Reunification Bell
The Unification Bell, which is approximately 2.9 meters tall and weighs approximately 8.6 tons, has been designed with a modern style based on the bronze bell at Sangwonsa Temple on Mt. Odaesan, believed to be the oldest and most elegant extant bronze bell in Korea. This bell rings out the Korean people’s desire for peaceful unification.
Monuments engraved with patriotic poems and quotations
A total of 104 monuments are scattered across the Independence Hall of Korea. Ancestors’poems and quotations are engraved on them to pay tribute to the memory of the patriots who have sacrificed for the nation. Each monument is a distinctive and beautiful piece of art. This monument is still in the process of being erected to honor and preserve the legacy of patriots
Patriots Memorial
The Patriots Memorial commemorates Korean ancestors who devoted themselves to guard their country and the everlasting prosperity of Korea. It is surrounded by beautifully carved walls with a stone altar and fountain in the center. In addition, two torches are placed on both ends of the carved stone walls.
Monument to the King Gwanggaeto, the Great
To establish Korean history and symbolize the sprit of the people of Goguryeo, the monument to the King, Gwanggaeto, the Great has been erected at the Plaza of the Nation. This magnificent 6.4 meter-tall monument has 1,800 characters on its four sides, which summarizes the history of Goguryeo.
Taegeuk Square
To raise the spirit of national independence and patriotism, a total of 815 national flags symbolizing national liberation were raised in 2005, the 60th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.
Millennium Forest
Planted in 2000, the first year of the new millennium, the forest embodies the wish for national reconciliation and reunification of North and South Korea. The grounds are scaled to the Korean peninsula with native plants from each region in a display of Korea’s fauna.
Rest Areas
White Lotus Pond
The size of this pond is approximately 26,446m² and can hold 50,000 tons of water. The origin of this water can be traced back to a small spring at the top of Mt. Heukseongsan irrigated through an open channel. Along with a smoothened waterline around the pond, stones in the rough, clean sand and trees are arranged beautifully to create a peaceful rest area.
Pine Grove Rest Area
These rest areas are nestled in the eastern grounds of the Independence Hall of Korea with an area of 18,181 square meters each. These sites are covered with green grass to serve for outdoor activities such as camping and field trips.
Camping Site
Highly popular with families, an environmentally friendly camping site covering an area of 72,237 sq. meters with showers, exercise facilities, and more.
Maple Tree Path
A 3.7 km path of maple trees surrounding the Independence Hall of Korea to best appreciate Korea’s autumn scenery.
Education facility
Balgeunnuri Education Center
This is an education center at the Independence Hall of Korea. It has played an important role in maintaining national freedom and independence. It was built with the theme of ‘light’ to brighten the world. It features various facilities such as an auditorium, hands-on center and lecture rooms.
Independence Army Experiential School
This is a hands-on center which was built based on the Shin Heung Military School, an independence army training center during the Japanese colonial period. A variety of educational programs are available, through which visitors can feel the spirit and life of the Korean Independence Army.
