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.
Table of Contents
Gwanghwamun Square Hours
24 hours
Admission
Free
How to get to Gwanghwamun Square
Option 1
Take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2).
Option 2
Take Subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station (Exit 1).
Continue for 450 meters to reach the square on the right.
Option 3
Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 6).
Continue 260 meters towards Gyeongbokgung Palace to reach the square on the right.
Map
Additional Resources
Viator
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Book Recommendations
While The Seoul Guide provides plenty of information about traveling to Seoul, sometimes it helps to bring a book with you on your journey. Want to visit Gwangjang Market, hike Bukhansan National Park, visit an ancient palace, or sing karaoke all night long? The book I always recommend is Fodor's Seoul, which provides expert recommendations including sights to see, restaurant reviews, maps, and essential trip-planning information for everything related to Seoul.
Learn more about book recommendations
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Last Updated on Dec 12, 2021