Tapgol Park, Seoul

Built on the site of Wongaksa Temple in the Joseon period, this was Seoul's first modern-style park, also known as Pagoda Park. Wongaksa was originally a temple called Heungboksa in the Goryeo period; it was enlarged in the early Joseon period and renamed Wongaksa. However, due to policies suppressing Buddhism, the temple was closed down under King Yeonsangun and King Jungjong. Later, on the recommendation of an Englishman named Brown, a Western-style park was built here, though there is no exact record of the reason or date. Within the park stand the Ten-Storey Stone Pagoda of Wongaksa Temple Site, a national treasure, and the Stele of Wongaksa Temple, a treasure. There are also an octagonal pavilion where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud and cheers of independence were raised, a relief panel depicting the independence movement, and statues of Son Byeong-hui. As the place where the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud and cries for independence rang out on 1 March 1919, marking the start of the March First Movement, this is a historic site where the spirit of the Korean people's independence still lives on.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jongno-gu, Seoul

Designation

Historic Site · 사적