Seoul Plaza

Seoul Plaza is an oval public space located in front of City Hall in the heart of the city. Once a traffic circle, it is now used for events and festivals. Originally, a large water fountain could be found in the center of the traffic circle, but it has since been removed.

Prior to 2004, the plaza, congested with traffic, was known as City Hall Plaza. In 2004, the area was renovated and became vehicle free. On May 1, 2004, the new plaza, renamed Seoul Plaza, was opened.

During the renovation, the fountain at the center of the plaza was removed and the oval area surrounding it was replaced with grass. The fountain was replaced with a sidewalk fountain that spurts water high up in the air through a number of holes in the ground.

Many protests have occurred at this location over the years including the Independence Movement in 1919, pro democracy movement in 1987, and the candlelight protest of United States beef imports in 2008.

In 2002, thousands of fans packed the plaza to cheer on South Korea in the World Cup. The South Korean team finished in fourth place out of 32 teams that competed.

Today, the plaza used to hold events such as the Hi! Seoul Festival and is enjoyed by tourists and locals as a place to relax and take a break from the fast paced city life.

At all hours of the day, especially on warm summer days, visitors to the plaza will find office workers relaxing with a cup of coffee during work breaks, tourist and locals with cameras around their necks snapping photographs, mothers with their children, and young couples on romantic dates.

In the winter, an ice skating rink can be found in the plaza. In the summer, the rink is replaced with grass full of people running around with their shoes off.

Nearby Sights

Old Seoul City Hall (Seoul Metropolitan Library)

The Old Seoul City Hall, now the Seoul Metropolitan Library, is a Renaissance style building that served as the city hall of Seoul from 1945 until 2008. After over four years of construction, the new city hall building opened on August 27, 2012. The building was slated for demolition multiple times but was saved because of its historical importance. It has now been converted to the Seoul Metropolitan Library.

Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace was the location where Prince Wolsan, older brother of King Seongjong, lived. At the time, the residence was not known as a palace yet. The area consisted of residential buildings for descendants of the royal family.

Hwangudan Altar (Wongudan Altar)

Wongudan Altar is where the emperor would perform sacrifices to heaven. The altar was built in 1897 and since then has been known as Hwangudan and Wondan. The complex was built during the reign of Emperor Gojong and was designed by Sim Uiseok, at the time, one of the best royal architects.

Seoul Anglican Cathedral

Seoul Anglican Cathedral is a Romanesque style Anglican church founded by Bishop C.J Corfe in 1922. It is located just west of Deoksugung Palace and Seoul Plaza. Its official name is Cathedral Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and Saint Nicholas.

Jeongdong Observatory

Jeongdong Observatory is a free observation deck on the 13th floor of the Seoul City Hall Seosomun Building, offering views of downtown Seoul. Unknown to most tourists, this quiet spot provides an escape from the city with a small café and views over Deoksugung Palace.

Cheonggye Plaza

Cheonggye Plaza is a public square in central Seoul that commemorates the restoration of the Cheonggyecheon Stream which was once an elevated highway. The plaza is located at the head of the stream which runs 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) through the heart of Seoul.

Last Updated on Dec 23, 2021