Outline < Plaza Development Project Guide < About Gwanghwamun Plaza

Outline

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

Background

asic 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

새로운 광화문광장 조성 사업개요 구분, 시민광장조서, 역사관장 조성 정보제공
Category	Civic square	Historical square
Road layout	Sajik-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
Area	26,200㎡	14,100㎡
Expenses	KRW 61 billion	KRW 20.5 billion
Details	Flagstone paving, tree planting, Haechi Lounge renovation, installation of water features, renovation of Sejongno Park, etc.	Flagstone paving, landscaping, construction of detours, etc.
Construction	Nov. 2021 – First half of 2022	Oct. 2021 – Dec. 2023
Historic significance	Specialization of historical and cultural content, such as the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong	Restoration of cultural heritage (Woldae of Gwanghwamun and Haechi statues)
Layout

새로운 광화문광장 조성 사업개요 구분 시민광장 조성 역사광장 조성 표
Category	Civic square
Road layout	Sajik-ro: Preserved routes (T-shape) Sejong-daero: Public square in the west and roadway in the east
Area	26,200㎡
Expenses	KRW 61 billion
Details	Flagstone paving, tree planting, Haechi Lounge renovation, installation of water features, renovation of Sejongno Park, etc.
Construction	Nov. 2021 – First half of 2022
Historic significance	Specialization of historical and cultural content, such as the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong
Layout
Category	Historical square
Road layout	Sajik-ro: Preserved routes (Y-shape) Sejong-daero: Public square in the west and roadway in the east
Area	14,100㎡
Expenses	KRW 20.5 billion
Details	Flagstone paving, landscaping, construction of detours, etc.
Construction	Oct. 2021 – Dec. 2023
Historic significance	Restoration of cultural heritage (Woldae of Gwanghwamun and Haechi statues)
관련 도면

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

1Restoration of Woldae and Haechi statues
Restoration of Woldae of Gwanghwamun and Haechi statues which have been damaged by the passage of time
2Representation 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

1Planning of a Hangeul-themed square
Creation of Hangeul-themed spaces and facilities, including Hangeul Fountain, across the square, promoting Hangeul-based puzzle-solving activities
2Plan for Time Waterway
Creation of Time Waterway that links the past and present
3Renovation 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
4Plans 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

광Enhanced connections between the square and its surroundings

1Improved connection between the square and its surroundings for the vitalization of urban spaces (e.g. creation of urban green spaces and open-space areas)
2Installation of public amenities at the square’s connection spaces
3Renovation of the Uijeongbu site for the creation of the historical and cultural space linking Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace
4Renovation of the lower floors of Sejong Center for better connectivity with the square

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

Creating a national space leading to Bukak Hanyang Castle, Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggye Square, Seoul Square, Sungnyemun Square, Seoul Station, Yongsan Station Square, Nodeul Island, and Yeouido

- Creating a representative space that combines walking, history·culture, and smart space
- Creating a Walking-Centered Urban Space linked to Sejong-daero People's Forest Road

Creating a representative space that combines walking, history·culture, and smart space
Creating a Walking-Centered Urban Space linked to Sejong-daero People's Forest Road

북악 한양도성, 광화문광장, 청계광장, 서울광장, 숭례문광장, 서울역, 용산역광장, 노들섬, 여의도로 이어지는 국가대표공간 조성이미지