hankyoreh

Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square will finally be reopening on Saturday after nearly two years of renovations.

On Thursday, two days before the grand reopening, the last bits of work were being completed on the downtown plaza.

In November 2020, the Seoul Metropolitan Government began construction work to increase pedestrian accessibility by widening the road on the eastern side of the square (in front of the US Embassy) and by removing the driving lane on the western side (in front of the Sejong Center).

The renovated Gwanghwamun Square is more than double the size it used to be at 40,300 square meters, up from its previous 18,840 square meters.

Trees representing Korea, including pines, zelkovas, hill cherries, and elms, have also been planted to create shade. Benches were also installed so visitors can take a load off.

Water features have also been placed in various areas, such as a fountain showcasing the principles of King Sejong’s creation of the Korean alphabet, hangeul, and “Myeongnyang Fountain” — referring to the Battle of Myeongnyang — near the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin.

On Saturday at 7 pm, the city of Seoul will hold an event to mark the square’s grand reopening while a “light of harmony” performance including citizens will also be held.

Here, we can see photos of Gwanghwamun Square, which was bustling with last-minute construction work on Thursday.

Photos and article by Kim Jung-hyo, staff reporter

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