Today marks 16 years since Gwanghwamun Square was first opened to the public on Aug 1, 2009. The Gwanghwamun Square, also known as the Gwanghwamun Plaza, exists not only as a premiere tourist location in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, but also stands as a witness to a dynamic history of glory, turmoil, and reverent restoration. Situated in Jongno District (Jongno-Gu) of Seoul, the Gwanghwamun Square, known as 광화문광장 in Korean, gets its name from the historic Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung, the Royal Palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
Gwanghwamun: A Peak into History
Gwanghwamun wasn’t always known by its current name. Built in 1395 by King Taejo, the first ruler of the Joseon dynasty, it was then known to be called Nammun (남문) or Omun (오문). However, it’s current name was given by King Sejong, intended to mean “era of peace” or “spreading the dignity and virtue of the country far and wide”. As the face of royalty for passersby, the gate would inspire curiosity among the public about what entailed behind it. Today too, its façade is reminiscent of Korea’s heritage, although people no longer have to remain curious; with the entry open to all, tourists can witness the marvel of Korea’s history, culture, and architecture.
The Gwanghwamun Gate has seen its share of highs and lows in the bygone era. The gate’s first encounter with adversity was during the Imjin War (1592–1598), when the Japanese invasions destroyed the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the other royal buildings and the Gwanghwamun gate. Sadly, the destruction during the Imjin War was only the beginning of a long and difficult journey for the gate. It was not until 1867, almost 270 years later, that Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun were fully reconstructed under the direction of Heungseon Daewongun, the regent father of King Gojong. The restored complex at the time featured more than 500 buildings and spanned over 40 hectares.
However, this era of rebirth was once again interrupted during the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945). In 1926, the Japanese Governor-General building was constructed directly in front of the gate, symbolically and physically overshadowing the royal palace. To make way for this, Gwanghwamun was dismantled and moved to the east side of the palace, where it lost not only its position but much of its grandeur. The gate itself was rebuilt in concrete in 1968 under President Park Chung-hee’s modernization campaign, though this version deviated significantly from the original architecture, both in location and materials.
It wasn’t until the early 21st century that a more authentic restoration was considered. A major reconstruction project began in 2006, which involved relocating the gate to its original position, aligning it with the palace’s central axis. This effort spanned over four years and cost approximately 28 billion KRW (around 24 million USD at the time). The newly rebuilt Gwanghwamun, completed in 2010, was crafted from traditional materials and construction methods, and finally restored with its original wooden structure and roof.
The Modern Gwanghwamun Square
The square itself, first unveiled to the public on August 1, 2009, was a product of Seoul’s ongoing urban rejuvenation efforts. The government envisioned a central civic space that would merge public accessibility with cultural heritage, allowing both locals and tourists to engage with the historical and political heart of Korea.
The plaza spans approximately 555 meters in length and 34 meters in width, creating an elongated corridor that stretches from Sejong-daero toward Gwanghwamun Gate. It incorporates not just visual harmony with the palace but also historical storytelling — including the Waterway of History, a narrow stream embedded in the ground that lists major events in Korea’s history over 600 years, starting from the Joseon era to modern day.
Among the most photographed landmarks within the plaza is the bronze statue of King Sejong the Great, who reigned from 1418 to 1450 and is perhaps best remembered for creating Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This 6.2-meter-tall statue, installed in 2009, rests in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and is accompanied by an underground exhibition hall dedicated to King Sejong’s legacy. Also situated prominently along the plaza is a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, one of Korea’s most celebrated naval commanders, who defended the country against Japanese invasions in the late 16th century. His statue was first erected in 1968 and remains a symbol of bravery and national pride.
In 2020, the Gwanghwamun square underwent yet another redesign, aimed to improve the public experience. The pedestrian space was expanded and the Sejong-Daero was reduced to 6 lanes. This renovation, officially completed and reopened in August 2022, more than doubled the size of the square from 18,840 square meters to 40,300 square meters. Over 300 trees were planted and seating areas were increased, allowing for better accessibility and more communal experiences.
What stands now is not just a pedestrian-friendly zone, but a cultural platform. The redesigned plaza features thematic gardens representing different provinces of South Korea, interactive digital installations, and performance spaces for public art and music events. At any given time of year, it is not uncommon to witness exhibitions, open markets, or civic rallies, making it an ever-evolving public sphere that reflects the social consciousness of Korea.
Gwanghwamun Square is not only a place of memory and celebration, but also protest and change. The site has served as a major gathering point for significant events in modern Korean history. From the massive candlelight demonstrations of 2016–2017 that led to the impeachment of former president Park Geun-hye, to rallies calling for justice, climate action, and democratic reforms — Gwanghwamun is where the Korean people’s voice has most visibly resonated.
What makes Gwanghwamun Plaza unique is this blending of old and new: a 14th-century royal gateway leading into a 21st-century capital; a square that holds both reverence and revolution. It is a space that embodies the resilience of a city and a nation that has rebuilt itself time and again — never erasing its past, but integrating it into the fabric of its present.
As we commemorate 16 years since the square’s public opening, Gwanghwamun Square stands not just as a passage to Korea’s royal legacy but as a mirror reflecting the nation’s collective spirit. Whether you’re strolling through its gardens, tracing your fingers over its engraved stone timeline, or simply standing before the mighty gate to take in the view, the square offers something intangible — a connection to stories long told, and some still being written.
If you’re ever in Seoul, take the time to walk the stretch of Gwanghwamun Square. History doesn’t just reside in museums or palaces — sometimes, it lives in the open air, among the footsteps of people, between memory and movement.