Gwanghwamun Square is a public area located in the heart of central Seoul that features museums, statues, restaurants, and beautiful surrounding views.
Plans to convert the area into a pedestrian only square first surfaced in February, 2004. It was not until April, 23 2008 that construction began. Construction took 15 months at a cost of 44.5 billion won ($41,785,500).
The redesigned square, which is bordered by Sejong-ro street, reopened to the public on August 1, 2009. The pedestrian only area was designed to work in harmony with the surrounding scenery such as the Bukaksan Mountain.
Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Gate are located at the northern end while Cheonggye Plaza is located at the southern end.
The square measures in at 20,000 sq. meters (215,000 sq. feet). It takes about 10 minutes to walk the entire length without stopping.
Gwanghwamun Square Information
Hours
24 hours
Admission
Free
How to Get Here
Option 1Take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2). Option 2Take Subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station (Exit 1).Continue for 450 meters to reach the square on the right. Option 3Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 6).Continue 260 meters towards Gyeongbokgung Palace to reach the square on the right.
Map
Nearby Sights
Statue of King Sejong the Great
The statue of King Sejong the Great is a golden statue located on Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Gate. This much respected fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty reigned from 1418 to 1450.
Gwanghwamun Gate
Gwanghwamun Gate is the imposing main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The gate has been rebuilt many times over the years but remains an icon of Seoul. Construction began in 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon dynasty. It quickly became one of the most important gates of the Joseon Dynasty since it guarded the main palace.
National Palace Museum of Korea
The National Palace Museum of Korea, located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, houses a collection of over 900 relics and 40,000 artifacts from the royal court of Joseon Dynasty palaces including Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Jongmyo.
Statue of Admiral Yi Sunshin
Walking south of the statue of the great King Sejong brings you to the towering statue of Admiral Yi Sunshin, also known as Yi Sun-sin. The statue is officially named 12.23 Fountain in honor of the 23 battles he fought using 12 warships. Yi, born on April 28, 1545, is best known for his military achievements during the Imjin War.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, located north of Gwanghwamun Square, is one of the most iconic sights in all of Korea thanks to its long and storied history. Construction on Gyeongbokgung Palace was completed in 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty during the reign of King Taejo. Gyeongbokgung, which means "palace greatly blessed by Heaven," was built in the heart of Seoul surrounded by Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan.
40th Anniversary Monument of Gojong's Enthronement
The 40th Anniversary Monument of Gojong's Enthronement was built to honor the 40th anniversary of the crowning of Gojong as the 26th Joseon Dynasty king. Gojong became king on December 13, 1863 at the age of eleven. His father, Heungseon Daewongun, ruled for him until he was an adult in 1873.
Additional Resources
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Book Recommendations
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Last Updated on Dec 12, 2021