[Photo from visitseoul.net]

Gwanghwamun Square is divided into six sections. At its center stands a statue of King Sejong the Great, the fourth and most respected king of the Joseon Dynasty and creator of Hangeul, Korea's alphabet; and a statue of Admiral Yi Sunshin, a naval commander noted for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and a hero among Koreans. Other attractions include the popular 12·23 Fountain, a sculpture of Haechi (the symbol of Seoul), a flower carpet, and Yeoksamulgil ( or the "Waterway of History") on either side of the square.

Gwanghwamun Square stretches out from Gwanghwamun (Gate), once the main gate of Gyeongbokgung (Palace), to Sejongno Sageori (Crossroads). This area was once Yukjo-geori (Avenue of Six Ministries), the center of Hanyang, which was the capital city during the Joseon Dynasty. Nowadays it is home to the Government's major administrative departments. Originally the area was a 16-lane roadway but in 2009, Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to create a landmark national square by transforming 10 lanes of the roadway into a public space where Seoulites could rest and socialize.

Transportation Information

Address 31- Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

Subway Line 5 Gwanghwamun Stn. Exit 1, 2, 8

Bus Gwanghwamun. Gwanghwamun Building

707, 700 9714, 9709, 9703, M7106, M7111

Address: 110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Phone: +82-2-120

Website: square.sisul.or.kr (Korean)

Facilities for the Disabled:

Accessible restrooms

Accessible elevators

Ramps