Gwanghwamun Square as the Central Hub of the Republic of Korea
- A pivotal space that reflects millennial national management philosophy and people-oriented idea
- The site of civic consciousness that created history from the March 1st Independence Movement to the Candlelight Revolution
- A major citizen-centered space where various citizens’ activities take place
Rise in demand for the renovation of Gwanghwamun Square
- A lack of public amenities and rest areas
- Necessity to revive the historical significance of the front yard of Gwanghwamun Gate
- Necessity to improve pedestrian accessibility
Changes in conditions
- Creating pedestrian accommodation in the heart of the city
- Reassuring Group Agreement through a number of public discussions
- Designation of Green Traffic Promotion District in Downtown Area of the Seoul City Wall (Notice of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, No. 2017-144, March, 15, 2017)
Background of the Gwanghwamun Square Renovation Project
Bike-friendly citySEP 2016Gwanghwamun Forum
(announcement of the principles and goals of the square renovation project)
APR 2017Joint announcement on the renovation of Gwanghwamun Square
MAY 2017Citizens’ forum on the renovation of Gwanghwamun Square
APR 2018Joint announcement on the basic plan of the Gwanghwamun Square Renovation Project
OCT 2018 – JAN 2019Renovation design competition and announcement of winners
SEP 2019 – DEC 2019Community presentations for local residents
NOV 2020Groundbreaking for the Gwanghwamun Square Renovation Project
MAY 2021Excavation of buried cultural heritage and open access to the public
JUN 2021Announcement of the plan for the renovation and development of Gwanghwamun Square
Revised Development Direction for Gwanghwamun Square in Accordance with Citizens' Opinion
Spatial Purpose
- Symbolic as the nation’s
central hub - Utilitarian as a public square
with park elements
Budget
- Temporary
- Phased (reduced)
Objectives of the renovation and development plan
Planning consultation with the authorities concerned on the project for the renovation and development of Gwanghwamun Square
- Promotion of historical significance of Gwanghwamun Square
- Restoration: Woldae of Gwanghwamun; Preservation: archaeological features; Exhibition: Yukjo Geori and waterways
- Storytelling about the history and culture of Gwanghwamun Square
- Content: Admiral Yi Sun-sin (“twelve vessels still safe in the navy” and “twenty-three battles fought and won”),
King Sejong (Hangeul and human-centered ideology), Woldae of Gwanghwamun, Haechi statues, etc. - Connection: Development of programs for promotion and connection between content, and connection with the tourist attractions outside the square
- Preparation of the strategies to promote the connection between the square and the surrounding area
- Promotion: Integrated use of the square and the surrounding area
- Role: Key facilities by public corporations, and supporting facilities by private companies
- Operation: Planning integrated services in event planning, operation, facility management, marketing, and PR activities
