Gwanghwamun Square (광화문 광장)

Gwanghwamun Square was opened to the public on August 1st, 2009. It is located at the center of Sejong-ro which connects Gwanghwamun Gate (the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Cheonggye Square.

The square is divided into the sections:

1. Recovering the History of Gwanghwamun Gate Plaza

2. Reenacting Yukjo Street Plaza

3. Korea Main Plaza

4. Civil Participation Urban Culture Plaza

5. Downtown Plaza

6. Cheonggyecheon Stream Connector

The Recovering the History of Gwanghwamun Gate Plaza is basically the entrance of the plaza where a stone base called Woldae and a statue of Haetae, a mythical Unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire.

The Reenacting Yukjo Street Plaza is the recreation of the Yukjo Street, the main street of old Seoul (Hanyang) in Joseon Dynasty. Yukjo means Six ministries and it is near Jongno street. It offers a panoramic view of Gyeongbokgung and bugaksan, a mountain rising behind the palace.

The Korea Main Plaza is where the Status of King Sejong the Great has been relocated. The Hangeul (Hangul), the Korean alphabet was invented in the 15th century and is projected on a fountain water screen. 

On October 9th is the day Hangeul was invented and there are many events on October 9th every year.

Between the Sejong Center for the performing Arts and the Statue of Admiral Yi-Sun-Shin is the Civil Participation Urban Culture Plaza with a range of attractions and services including accommodation facilities for visitors, exhibition halls, a meeting plaza, and art galleries.

The Downtown Plaza is near the Statue of Admiral Yi-Sun-Shin, symbolizes Sejong-ro. 

There are a pond and pop-jet fountains as well. The water fountain is over 17 meters wide and 68 meters long. It was built around the statue and with 228 sharp jets and 136 ground jets, the fountain shoots water up to different heights to illustrate the Admiral's victorious spirit in repelling the Japanese invasion during the Joseon Dynasty.

Statue of Admiral Yi-Sun-Shin and water fountain

The Cheonggyecheon Stream Connector is a connecting walking path between Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

In addition, Sunken Square is located behind the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin. It connects Gwanghwamun subway Station and the ground allowing people to access the Square more easily.

Sources: Visit Korea Website, Businesswire Website

Map of Gwanghwamun Square area

Source from Seoul Street Art Festival

1. Seoul Plaza

2. Deoksugung-gil (road)

3. Seoul Museum of Art

4. Seoul Street Art Festival location

5. Sejong-Daero

6. Cheonggye Plaza

7. Cheyonggyecheon Stream

8. Gwanghwamun Square

9. Sejong Cultural Center

10. Seoul Street Art Festival location

Opening Hours

Open all year round

Address

Jiha 172, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

How to get to Gwanghwamun Square

[Subway]

Line 5 : Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 3 or 4

*Parking not available