The Statue of King Sejong the Great is a golden statue located on Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Gate. This much respected fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty reigned from 1418 to 1450.
Sejong was responsible for the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, and other advancements in science, military, art, and politics.
A passageway behind the statue leads to a museum known as the Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall. Visitors to the museum can learn about the accomplishments of this this mighty king such as how he created Hangul and contributed in the development of Korea.
Statue of King Sejong the Great Information
Hours
24 hours
Admission
Free
Address
172 Sejong-daero, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
GPS Coordinates: 37.572917, 126.976883
Map
Official Website
https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/rgnContentsView.do?vcontsId=85129
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Book Recommendations
For an immersive guide to Seoul, many travelers choose to bring a book along. Fodor's Seoul, for example, offers detailed recommendations on sights, restaurants, maps, and travel tips.
Nearby Sights
Gwanghwamun Square
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).
Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin
Walking south of the statue of the great King Sejong the Great brings you to the towering statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, also known as Yi Sunshin. The statue is officially named 12.23 Fountain in honor of the 23 battles he fought using 12 warships. Yi, born on April 28, 1545, is best known for his military achievements during the Imjin War.
40th Anniversary Monument of Gojong's Enthronement
The 40th Anniversary Monument of Gojong’s Enthronement was built to honor the 40th anniversary of the crowning of Gojong as the 26th Joseon Dynasty king. Gojong became king on December 13, 1863 at the age of eleven. His father, Heungseon Daewongun, ruled for him until he was an adult in 1873. In 1895, the wife of Gojong, known as Queen Min and Empress Myeongseong, was assassinated by the Japanese.
Read more about 40th Anniversary Monument of Gojong's Enthronement
Gwanghwamun Gate
Gwanghwamun Gate is the imposing main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The gate has been rebuilt many times over the years but remains an icon of Seoul. Construction began in 1395 at the beginning of the Joseon dynasty. The gate quickly became one of the most important gates of the Joseon Dynasty since it guarded the main palace.
Cheonggye Plaza
Cheonggye Plaza is a public square in central Seoul that commemorates the restoration of the Cheonggyecheon Stream which was once an elevated highway. The plaza is located at the head of the stream which runs 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) through the heart of Seoul. The area covers almost 2,314 square meters (25,000 square feet).
National Palace Museum of Korea
The National Palace Museum of Korea, located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, houses a collection of over 900 relics and 40,000 artifacts from the royal court of Joseon Dynasty palaces including Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Jongmyo. Initially, the museum opened on the grounds of Changgyeonggung in 1908 and went by the name Korean Imperial Museum.
Last Updated on Dec 23, 2021