Creation of Korea’s major landmark loved by citizens and representing the pride of Korean people

Background

  • Basic Plan for Historical City Development (2015)
  • Designation of the Seoul City Wall as the Green Traffic Promotion District (2017)
  • Special Comprehensive Measures for Green Traffic Promotion District (2018)
    Reduce the number of lanes in downtown (10 Lanes -> 4-6 Lanes)

Goals

  • Traffic volume of the city center to be reduced by 20% until the completion of the renovation project and by 30% until 2030
  • Expansion of the national historic landmark district (Gwanghwamun Gate to the Hangang River), spreading the energy of Gwanghwamun Square to the area around the Hangang River
  • Creation of a heritage site symbolizing the 600-year history of Seoul as the Korean capital where Korea’s past and present coexist in harmony

Overview of the Gwanghwamun Square Renovation Project

Overview of the Gwanghwamun Square Renovation Project table
CategoryCivic squareHistorical square
Road layoutSajik-ro: Preserved routes (T-shape)
Sejong-daero: Public square in the west and roadway in the east
Sajik-ro: Preserved routes (Y-shape)
Sejong-daero: Public square in the west and roadway in the east
Area26,200㎡14,100㎡
ExpensesKRW 61 billionKRW 20.5 billion
DetailsFlagstone paving, tree planting, Haechi Lounge renovation, installation of water features, renovation of Sejongno Park, etc.Flagstone paving, landscaping, construction of detours, etc.
ConstructionNov. 2021 – First half of 2022Oct. 2021 – Dec. 2023
Historic significanceSpecialization of historical and cultural content, such as the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King SejongRestoration of cultural heritage (Woldae of Gwanghwamun and Haechi statues)
Layout시민광장 조성 관련도면 이미지역사광장 조성 관련도면 이미지
새로운 광화문광장 조성 사업개요/caption> 
CategoryCivic square
Road layoutSajik-ro: Preserved routes (T-shape)
Sejong-daero: Public square in the west and roadway in the east
Area26,200㎡
ExpensesKRW 61 billion
DetailsFlagstone paving, tree planting, Haechi Lounge renovation, installation of water features, renovation of Sejongno Park, etc.
ConstructionNov. 2021 – First half of 2022
Historic significanceSpecialization of historical and cultural content, such as the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong
Layout시민광장 조성 관련도면 이미지
CategoryHistorical square
Road layoutSajik-ro: Preserved routes (Y-shape)
Sejong-daero: Public square in the west and roadway in the east
Area14,100㎡
ExpensesKRW 20.5 billion
DetailsFlagstone paving, landscaping, construction of detours, etc.
ConstructionOct. 2021 – Dec. 2023
Historic significanceRestoration of cultural heritage (Woldae of Gwanghwamun and Haechi statues)
Layout역사광장 조성 관련도면 이미지

The Gwanghwamun Square Renovation Project Plan via communication with citizens and studies to heighten the historical significance of the project site

  • Promotion of historical significance via restoration and active use of cultural heritage : Restoration of Woldae of Gwanghwamun and Haechi statues
  • Highlighting the stories about history and culture of the site : Preparation of plan for Hangeul-themed square, creation of Time Waterway, and renovation of the area around the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong
  • Enhancement of connections between the square and its surroundings : KT Building remodeling, renovation of the Uijeongbu site, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and Sejongno Park, and creation of a national historical landmark district

Promotion of historical significance based on restoration and active use of cultural heritage

Promotion of historical significance based on restoration and active use of cultural heritage

  • Restoration of Woldae and Haechi statues

    Restoration of Woldae of Gwanghwamun and Haechi statues which have been damaged by the passage of time

  • Representation and use of the remains of the Yukjo site

    Public display of the archaeological features of the Yukjo site, which included Samgunbu and Saheonbu offices as well as the offices of the six ministries of the Joseon dynasty, and reconstruction of their superstructures

Highlighting the stories about history and culture of the site

Highlighting the stories about history and culture of the site

  • Planning of a Hangeul-themed square

    Creation of Hangeul-themed spaces and facilities, including Hangeul Fountain, across the square, promoting Hangeul-based puzzle-solving activities

  • Plan for Time Waterway

    Creation of Time Waterway that links the past and present

  • Renovation of the surroundings of the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin

    Installation of commemorative steles (safety bollards) symbolizing the Yi Sun-sin’s twelve battleships and victories

  • Plans on the surroundings of the statue of King Sejong

    Increase of public understanding of the King Sejong’s achievements by improving the entrance to The Story of King Sejong behind the statue

Enhanced connections between the square and its surroundings

Enhanced connections between the square and its surroundings

  • Improved connection between the square and its surroundings for the vitalization of urban spaces
    (e.g. creation of urban green spaces and open-space areas)

  • Installation of public amenities at the square’s connection spaces

  • Renovation of the Uijeongbu site for the creation of the historical and cultural space linking Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace

  • Renovation of the lower floors of Sejong Center for better connectivity with the square

광장지도이미지 광장모바일지도이미지
  • 1.Restored Woldae
  • 2.Grass Yard
  • 3.Yukjo Yard
  • 4.History Waterway
  • 5.Archaeological Remains Exhibition Area
  • 6.Time Garden
  • 7.Four Seasons Garden
  • 8.King Sejong Monument
  • 9.Time Waterway
  • 10.Culture Garden
  • 11. Tunnel Fountain
  • 12.Gathering Area
  • 13.Gwanghwamun Stairs
  • 14.Hangeul Fountain
  • 15.Myeongnyang Fountain
  • 16.Forest Square
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