Gwanghwamun Square

About this place

Stretching along the historic Sejong-daero boulevard in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square is the symbolic heart of Seoul. Statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong the Great stand at the center, while underground exhibition halls offer free displays on both figures' legacies. The square was expanded westward and reopened in August 2022; the following year, in October 2023, the Woldae ceremonial platform and haetae statues in front of Gwanghwamun — the palace's main gate at the square's northern end — were restored, completing the axis from palace gate to plaza. Seasonal festivals, including a popular winter light show, draw visitors throughout the year.

Good to know

Address

172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours

Always open

Open 24 hours, year-round.

Photo spots nearby

• 

  Cheonggyecheon Stream

  6 min by transit

  6-min route →
• 

  Jeongdong-gil

  10 min by transit

  10-min route →
• 

  Gyeonghuigung Palace

  12 min by transit

  12-min route →
• 

  Seoul Metropolitan Library

  13 min by transit

  13-min route →
• 

  Deoksugung Palace

  14 min by transit

  14-min route →
• 

  Seoullo 7017

  15 min by transit

  15-min route →

Transit times by ODsay