Learn Korean!
- 한글 (han-geul) is the name of the Korean alphabet invented by King Sejong
Fun Facts
- During its grand opening in 2009, the square was adorned with a massive flower carpet over 530 feet long and 57 feet wide, symbolizing Seoul’s rich cultural heritage.
- Underneath the statues of Admiral Yi Sun Sin and King Sejong, there is a small exhibition hall and museum dedicated to educating visitors about the lives and legacies of these revered historical figures.
- The square features the 12.23 Fountain, named after the 23 battles Admiral Yi Sun Sin fought with 12 warships during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598). The fountain’s design commemorates his naval achievements.
Gwanghwamun Square is a vibrant pedestrian space showcasing numerous historical and cultural landmarks of Korea. Visitors can admire the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun Sin, a revered naval officer, and pay homage to King Sejong the Great, the inventor of the Hangeul alphabet system. The square also boasts the Korean Cultural Center, an opera house, and the Korean History Museum. At the top of the square stands the majestic Gwanghwamun gate, a gateway to the illustrious Gyeongbokgung Palace. Lined with inviting coffee shops and restaurants, this lively street frequently hosts events and exhibits, making it a dynamic hub of activity and discovery.
Travel Tips
- You can walk leisurely from City Hall to Gwanghwamun Square in approximately 10 minutes. Once arriving at the Admiral Yi Sun Sin statue walk straight through the square on your way to Gwanghwamun Gate and then the Palace.
- Plan enough time for arriving at the Gate at either 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. and you will see the changing of the guard.
- We prefer to taxi to Cheonggyecheon Plaza and walk through the square from there.
Address
English: 172, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hangeul: 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 172
During our first trip in May 2023, the large and intricate lanterns for the annual Lantern Festival– in celebration of Buddha’s birthday–were on display in the square. We wandered between them and took lots of fun photos. At the request of our Korean language teacher, we also made sure to stop and bow to King Sejong, saying “고맙습니다” (go-mab-seub-ni-da), which means “thank you,” for creating the Hangeul Alphabet, now known for being the most logical alphabet in the world. At the risk of getting soaking wet, I even took my chances running through one of the many fountains in the square for a chance to cool off.
We have enjoyed starting the day early by taking a taxi to Cheonggyecheon Plaza, then walk to Paris Croissant for breakfast before visiting Kyobo Bookstore. After a brief visit to the bookstore we cross the main street to walk through Gwanghwamun Square and on to the gate and palace. You can exit the palace on the northeast corner of the grounds and then have dinner at one of the Michelin star restaurants on Samcheong-ro. This is one of my favorite one-day itineraries for first timers in Seoul. It is a long day of leisurely walking which allows you to experience the rich cultural history of the city. Each time I stop by the statue of King Sejong I say thank you very much for making Hangeul easy to learn. It may take me some time, but I am determined to learn this beautiful language.
Plane 'n' Suite 
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