Gwanghwamun Square

Gwanghwamun Square is located in the center of Seoul and is an important landmark where Korean history and modernity meet. This is not only a spacious public square, but also a symbol of Korean history and culture. Surrounded by important buildings such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, and the Korean Government Building, it is one of the must-visit attractions in Seoul. This time when I came to Gwanghwamun Square, I not only felt the strong historical atmosphere, but also experienced the unique urban style and cultural atmosphere here. The History and Symbolism of Gwanghwamun Square The history of Gwanghwamun Square dates back to the Joseon Dynasty, when it was the main road leading to the royal palace, Gyeongbokgung. In the center of the square stand two important statues, namely King Sejong the Great and General Yi Sun-sin, both of whom have had a profound influence on Korean history. • Statue of King Sejong King Sejong was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty. His most famous contribution was the creation of Korean (Hunminjeongeum), which enabled the people at that time to have their own writing without having to rely on Chinese characters. His statue is located in the center of the square. He is wearing traditional Korean royal clothing and holding a scroll, symbolizing the inheritance of wisdom and culture. There is also a small exhibition hall under the statue, which introduces the origin and development of Korean, which is well worth a visit. • Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin In front of the statue of King Sejong is the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a national hero who resisted Japanese invasion in the 16th century and was famous for his "turtle ship" tactics. He holds a sword and has a serious expression, symbolizing the bravery of Korean military. There is also a small fountain near the statue. In the hot summer, many children will play in the water here, making the square full of vitality. Surrounding attractions and cultural experiences There are many attractions worth visiting around Gwanghwamun Square, and I also visited a few of them this time. • Gyeongbokgung Palace Directly behind Gwanghwamun is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most representative royal palace in Korea. Built in 1395, this palace is one of the most important palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, with spectacular architecture and a long history. I especially recommend taking part in the palace costume experience, putting on a hanbok and strolling around the palace to feel the strong classical atmosphere. • King Sejong's Story House and Yi Sun-sin Exhibition Hall These two exhibition halls are located underground of the statue, are open to the public free of charge, and have rich exhibition content. The Sejong Story House introduces the invention of Korean, the science and technology of the time, and the cultural development, while the Yi Sun-sin Exhibition Hall recreates the war scenes during the Imjin Japanese Invasion period and has a model of a turtle ship, allowing people to better understand Korea's history and war background. • Cheonggyecheon Stream Not far from Gwanghwamun Square is Cheonggyecheon, a renovated urban stream with trails and decorative art along the way, perfect for walking or taking photos. When the lights come on at night, the atmosphere becomes even more romantic. Contemporary and cultural events at Gwanghwamun Square This is not only a historical and cultural attraction, but also a place for citizens to hold various activities. When I came this time, I happened to encounter a cultural performance, including traditional dance and music performances, which attracted many tourists to stop and watch. In addition, Gwanghwamun Square often hosts markets, art exhibitions or political rallies, making it a vibrant public space. Experience and suggestions Gwanghwamun Square is a place that combines history, culture and modern urban atmosphere. It is not only suitable for sightseeing, but also for slowly savoring the history and development of Korea. If you are interested in Korean history, it is recommended that you do some research first so that you will be more impressed when you visit. In addition, when the weather is good, this is a great place for a walk, but if it is summer, remember to bring a hat and sunscreen, and in winter, dress warmly because the square is an open space and the wind may be strong. This trip to Gwanghwamun Square allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Korean history and feel the unique atmosphere of this place. If I have a chance to visit again next time, I would like to try Gwanghwamun Square at night. It is said that when the lights are lit, the whole atmosphere will be more spectacular and charming!