Gwanghwamun Plaza, Public square in Jongno District, South Korea.
Gwanghwamun Plaza is a public square in Jongno District, Seoul, extending along Sejongno street. It features bronze statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong set against the backdrop of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Until 2009, the area functioned as a multi-lane roadway before being transformed into a pedestrian space. This redesign changed how people move through and experience the location.
The plaza displays two major monuments honoring Korean achievements: Admiral Yi is celebrated for his naval innovations, and King Sejong for creating the Korean alphabet. Visitors can encounter these figures and understand why they hold such importance in Korea's story.
The square is easily accessible by public transportation with three nearby subway stations on different lines. The entire area is designed for pedestrian access, making it comfortable to explore on foot.
At the plaza's opening, tens of thousands of flowers were arranged into a massive flower carpet representing a symbolic number of days. This installation created an unexpected connection between the city's history and the space's debut.
Location: Seoul
Location: Jongno District
Inception: 2009
Official opening: August 1, 2009
GPS coordinates: 37.57278,126.97667
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
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