This artist’s rendition offers a bird’s eye view of the revamped Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul’s Jongno-gu District set to open in July. (Seoul Metropolitan Government)
By Lee Kyoung Mi and Yoon Sojung
Having undergone renovation since November 2020, Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul’s Jongno-gu District will be reopened in July at double its original size and with larger green areas.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Jan. 25 said construction work on the square, which it said was half completed, will be done by June to allow the reopening by July.
With several traffic lanes removed, the square will have wider pedestrian paths in an area covering 40,300 square m. Its new size will be six times bigger than a soccer stadium (18,840 square m) and more than double the previous size. Pedestrian paths will also be 70% bigger to raise the convenience of visitor traffic.
Green areas will take up about 25% of the square. The city government said it will plant beautiful flowers and trees year round so that the public can feel the four seasons and relax in the center of the capital. Wide benches and other seats under trees will also allow rest by anyone at any time.
Water facilities to be installed at the square include a ground-engraved waterway 260 m long featuring major historical events in Korea and a “tunnel fountain” for children. A Hangeul-themed fountain containing the people-oriented spirit of King Sejong the Great, who invented the Korean alphabet, and the principle behind Hangeul’s creation. And the 12.23 Fountain near the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin will be renovated to honor the legendary naval hero’s 23 victories at sea and his famous win at the Battle of Myeongryang with just 12 ships against 133 Japanese vessels.
Cultural heritage from the Joseon Dynasty era discovered at the square’s construction site will be displayed to the public. Such remains include the sites of the gate at the Saheonbu (Office of the Inspector General), well and water drains.
History Square on Gwanghwamun’s north side will be opened next year with a restored woldae and a statue of the legendary horned beast Haechi. Woldae is a wide traditional platform in front of a palace or building where the king spoke to the people on an important occasion.
The city government said, “Gwanghwamun Square will be opened in July without a hitch and be finished with a sense of care and completion as a leading square in Korea and rest area at the city center where people can come and heal at any time.”
km137426@korea.kr
