About Gwanghwamun Square

Located in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, lovely Gwanghwamun Square is known for the large statue of King Sejong The Great. He was the inventor of Korea’s Hangul alphabet. The square also has statues of some of his inventions. The statue of the Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the naval war hero of Korea is also there across the road. Until recently, it was customary for the Korean Marines graduating two years of service, to swear allegiance in front of this statue. In 2009, when a major section was renovated for 15-months, and the square was downsized to a 600-meter road, from 16-lane to 10-lanes of traffic. Following this, the ceremony had to be stopped due to immense traffic congestion to the 8 lane street of Sejongno. The fabulous Wanghwamun Plaza - a public open space - opened on 1 August 2009 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government is the main attraction of Gwanghwamun. It is a part of Seoul's plans for environmentally friendly renovation projects.

Must See

  • The Square.
  • The Statues.
  • The Artworks. 
  • The Architecture.  

How to reach

City Hall Station (Subway Line 1) Exit 3, walk past Deoksugung Palace and keep walking in the direction of the Koreana hotel.

Take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2).

Take Subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station (Exit 1). Walk for 450 meters to reach the square. 

Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 6). Walk 260 meters towards Gyeongbokgung Palace to reach the square on the right.

The fare is 1,350 KRW for 10 km of travel. 

Tips

  • Be here as early as possible to avoid the crowd.
  • Don't smoke or consume alcohol in public. 
  • You can take pictures here. 
  • Stay hydrated. 
  • Taste local dishes in the restaurants nearby. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes. 
  • Be aware of pickpocketers.  

Visit Time

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours 

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours 

Saturday: Open 24 hours

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Waiting Time

No waiting time

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Mist 2.8200000000001°C

 

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