Gwanghwamun Square

Gwanghwamun Square, located in the heart of Seoul
Gwanghwamun Square, located in the heart of Seoul

Gwanghwamun Square is a public area located in the heart of central Seoul that features museums, statues, restaurants, and beautiful surrounding views.

Plans to convert the area into a pedestrian only square first surfaced in February, 2004. It was not until April, 23 2008 that construction began. Construction took 15 months at a cost of 44.5 billion won ($41,785,500).

The redesigned square, which is bordered by Sejong-ro street, reopened to the public on August 1, 2009. The pedestrian only area was designed to work in harmony with the surrounding scenery such as the Bukaksan Mountain.

Statue of King Sejong and Gwanghwamun Gate at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul
Statue of King Sejong with Gwanghwamun Gate in the background

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Gate are located at the northern end while Cheonggye Plaza is located at the southern end.

The square measures in at 20,000 sq. meters (215,000 sq. feet). It takes about 10 minutes to walk the entire length without stopping.

United States Embassy building at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul
Embassy of the United States of America

Hours

24 hours

Admission

Free

Getting Here

Option 1
Take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2).

Option 2
Take Subway Line 1 to Jonggak Station (Exit 1).
Continue for 450 meters to reach the square on the right.

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

Map