Statue of King Sejong, Bronze monument in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, South Korea
The Statue of King Sejong is a bronze monument in Gwanghwamun Square depicting the ruler seated with a book, embodying his intellectual leadership during the Joseon period. The work features Hangul characters inscribed along its sides, highlighting the king's contribution to written language.
The monument was inaugurated in October 2009 to honor the fourth king of the Joseon dynasty, who created Hangul, the Korean alphabet, in the 15th century. This writing system transformed Korean society by making literacy accessible to common people rather than only the scholarly elite.
The pedestal displays reliefs showing scientific tools and inventions developed during the king's reign, such as celestial globes, rain gauges, and sundials. These carvings reflect a ruler who placed learning and observation at the heart of his leadership.
The monument stands on the central Gwanghwamun Square and is easy to locate as a major landmark in Seoul. An underground exhibition hall called Sejong's Story provides additional information and context about the king's life and achievements.
The monument weighs around 20 tons and features a golden surface finish that gleams in daylight, setting it apart from other sculptures nearby. This combination of scale and craftsmanship makes it one of the most striking works in central Seoul.
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