Souimun Gate (昭義門) was once a prominent part of the Seoul City Wall during the Joseon dynasty. Situated between Sungnyemun and Donuimun Gates, it served as a key passageway to the southwest of Seoul.
The area surrounding Souimun was a bustling hub of both land and water transportation, filled with people and goods during the Joseon era.
Additionally, just outside Souimun was the site where individuals convicted of capital crimes, along with Catholics considered a threat to Neo-Confucian ideology, were executed. These public executions were meant to serve as a stark warning to passersby about the consequences of crime.
In 1914, during the Japanese colonial period, Souimun was demolished to make way for road development, as it was seen as an impediment to modernization.
This exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into Souimun's rich history, showcasing its role as both a guardian of the Seoul City Wall and a vibrant center of activity before its demolition.