World Peace Gate

World Peace Gate is a colorful gate located at Olympic Park. It was built as a sign of peace and harmony for the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics which took place in September and October, 1988. Construction began on December 31, 1986 and was completed on August 31, 1988. It was designed by architect Kim Chung-up.

The area of the site measures in at 80 meters (262 feet) by 420 meters (1,377 feet). The roof is 62 meters (203 feet) by 37 meters (121 feet). The height is 24 meters (78 feet) high.

The mural found on the on the underside of both sides of the roof is known as “A Painting of Four Spirits“. Blue and red are used to symbolize Um and Yang, which is an oriental symbol or the universe and creativity. Four spirits guard the gate. A red phoenix guards the south, a black turtle guards the north, a white tiger guards the west, and a blue dragon guards the east. The spirits are depicted as ascending towards heaven and signifies the strength of Koreans and their freedom.

An eternal flame can be found underneath the gate along with a declaration of peace that calls for world harmony and happiness for all citizens of the world despite ideology, race, or religion.

Nearby Sights

Seoul Baekje Museum

Seoul Baekje Museum preserves the history and culture of the Baekje kingdom which established the capital of Hanseong which later would become Seoul. The history of Seoul dates back thousands of years when the Baekje kingdom flourished on the banks of the Hangang River. Artifacts and displays in the museum focus on prehistoric times and on the 500 year history of the Baekje from 18 B.C. to 475 A.D. The museum is located at Olympic Park.

Olympic Park

Seoul Olympic Park, or Olpark, is a large outdoor recreation area, sporting venue, and park that was built for the 1988 Summer Olympics. Just a few of the facilities built for the Olympics include a swimming pool, gymnastics arena, tennis courts, fencing gymnasium, and velodrome.

Lotte World

Lotte World is an entertainment area with the largest indoor theme park in the world, an outdoor amusement park, mall, hotel, museum, and ice skating rink.

Techno Mart

Techno Mart is an eight floor shopping mall and marketplace with over 2,000 electronic stores selling every type of electronics, appliances, and gadgets. If you are in Seoul and you need electronics at reasonable prices, then this in your place.

Garak Mall

Garak Mall, formerly Garak Market, is a large public wholesale market that sells a large selection of meats, fresh and cheap seafood, and fruits and vegetables. This large market, which opened in 1985, measures in at 543,451 square meters (5,849,657 square feet).

Cheonho Park

Cheonho Park is a small neighborhood park located in southwestern Seoul, not far from Gwangnaru Hangang Park and Amsa-dong Prehistoric Settlement Site. Though small, the park features a musical fountain, library, outdoor stage, and walking paths. There are also various sports facilities including a basketball court and volleyball court. Though located in the center of the city, Cheonho Park provides a space for relaxation for both locals and tourists.

Last Updated on Dec 14, 2021