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Gwanghwamun Square 광화문광장
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Free
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Gwanghwamun Station (line 5, exit 7/9). Arrive directly.
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Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3, exit 5/6). 6 mins walk.
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City Hall Station (line 1/2, exit 3/4). 7 mins walk.
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Gwanghwamun Square is a large public space that stretches 555m long and 34m wide.
From the square, you can enjoy fantastic view of the largest palace in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace and the iconic Bugaksan Mountain behind it.
Prominent Statues @Gwanghwamun Square
At the center of Gwanghwamun Square stands the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sunshin.
King Sejong the Great is the fourth and most respected king of the Joseon Dynasty and creator of Hangeul (Korea's alphabet).
Admiral Yi Sun-shin is a naval commander noted for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and a hero among Koreans.
History of Gwanghwamun Square
The Gwanghwamun Square 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 locals can rest and socialise.
Events & Festivals @Gwanghwamun Square
Several festivals are held annually at Gwanghwamun Square. They include:
a) Winter Festa: Seoul Light Gwanghwamun
official website: seoullightgwanghwamun.com
period: December - January
admission: free
Seoul Light Gwanghwamun is Seoul’s iconic illumination festival, featuring cultural and artistic content composed of high-quality media art. You can enjoy brilliant 'Media Facade' screenings held nightly during the winter festival period.
b) Winter Festa: Gwanghwamun Market
official website: www.stolantern.com
period: December - January
admission: free
Gwanghwamun Market is a beautifully-decorated Christmas Market where you can find various handicrafts and seasonal items from local small business owners. The Santa Village is centered around a large tree where you can enjoy the holiday atmosphere and meet Santa Claus.
c) Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe)
official website: www.llf.or.kr
period: April - May
admission: free
Gwanghwamun Square is one of the locations where the annual Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe, a Buddhist cultural festival) is held. You can enjoy exhibition of beautiful traditional lanterns made with Hanji (i.e. Korean paper).
Attractions near to Gwanghwamun Square
You can do a leisure walk from City Hall Station or LOTTE Department Store to Gwanghwamun Square and visit Deoksugung Palace (+Deoksugung Stone-wall Road) and Cheonggyecheon Stream along the way.
On the other end of Gwanghwamun Square is the famous palace in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace. On the left of Gyeongbokgung Palace is Seochon Hanok Village and on its right are Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village. These are immensely popular places where you can find many famous bakeries, cafes and restaurants.
Map of Getting to Gwanghwamun Square
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