Blood, Tears & Independence: Korea’s Colonial-Era Dark History Tour

Step into Korea’s painful past and witness the dark realities of Japanese colonization. This tour follows the road to independence, highlighting the suffering, sacrifice, and relentless resistance of the Korean people.

Begin at Seodaemun Prison History Hall, where Korean freedom fighters—many of them students—were imprisoned, tortured, and executed for daring to resist. Stand before Dongnimmun Arch, once a beacon of Korea’s independence hopes, now a solemn reminder of lost sovereignty. Explore Dilkusha, home of an American journalist who exposed Japan’s brutal rule to the world.

Follow the footsteps of the March 1st Movement, a nationwide uprising that became the foundation of Korea’s liberation efforts. End at Tapgol Park, where the first cries for freedom rang out, sparking a revolution that ultimately led to independence.

Feel the heartbreak, courage, and unyielding spirit of those who shaped Korea’s path to freedom. This is more than a tour—it’s a powerful journey through oppression, defiance, and Korea’s fight for freedom.

Beneath Korea’s rapid rise and gleaming skyline lies a turbulent journey—a history marked by dictatorship, censorship, and the fearless fight for democracy. This tour uncovers the hidden struggles of Korea’s modern political past, spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Blood, Tears & Resistance: Korea’s Dark Journey to Democracy

Begin at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, where you'll gain crucial context about Korea’s post-war reconstruction, military regimes, and citizen resistance. Walk the vibrant alleys of Tongin Market, once a gathering place for everyday people enduring extraordinary times, and enjoy a traditional lunch amid echoes of the past.

Then, descend into Korea’s darker corners with visits to Namsan KCIA headquarters and the Korea Democracy Foundation, former sites of surveillance, political oppression, and torture. These places—once used to silence dissent—now serve as stark reminders of how hard-won Korea’s democracy truly is.

This tour brings history to life, echoing moments from acclaimed Korean films like 1987: When the Day Comes and The Man Standing Next. Learn how student protests, underground press, and civil movements sparked a revolution that reshaped the nation.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, this journey reveals the hidden cost behind Korea’s success—and the resilience that made democracy possible.