Gwanghwamun Square, which was constructed in 2009, left a lot to be desired as it was difficult to access, had limited space to rest, and did not fully restore historical accuracy in so much that some ended up calling it a gigantic median. Despite many disputes, there were ideas that we had to hold fast to: Gwanghwamun Square is the heart of Seoul and a landmark of the Republic of Korea, and it must be the square for the nation, for citizens, and for everyone.
To make a beautiful square that would be constantly favored by the entire nation for a century and more and become an international address, Seoul organized the Gwanghwamun Forum and established the ‘Direction and Principle for the Improvement of Gwanghwamun Square’ through long discussions with experts of history, urban space, architecture, traffic, and culture, as well as with citizens.
The fundamental direction for the transformation of Gwanghwamun Square was established based on the directions and policies, thus launching a new history for the eternal Gwanghwamun. By carrying on the development direction and principle of Gwanghwamun Forum, the Gwanghwamun Citizen Council was established in July 2018 to create a space representing the Republic of Korea that makes the best use of its historic value and citizen participation.
Gwanghwamun Square is like the face of the Republic of Korea.
We felt a grave sense of responsibility as the importance of the square in the process of debates and discussions. We hope the opinions and thoughts suggested by the Gwanghwamun Citizen Council through the collective intelligence will guide the development of a new Gwanghwamun Square and make immense contributions in pushing the project forward. We would like to ask you to show continuous interest and participate in the project so that Gwanghwamun Square can become the representative landmark area of the Republic of Korea.
Thank you.
Kim Won,Head of the Gwanghwamun Citizen Council