By Honorary Reporter Martina Marrandino from Italy

Photos = Martina Marrandino

Gwanghwamun Square, a landmark in downtown Seoul, on Aug. 6 was reopened after nearly two years of renovation. As a resident of Seoul, I attended the opening ceremony that day to see what the square looked like after getting a major facelift.

The festivities began at 7 p.m. with congratulatory speeches from leading city officials like Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. A civic orchestra gave a spectacular performance, followed by famous singers such as the alternative pop band Leenalchi and K-pop girl group Oh My Girl.

Gwanghwamun Square's reopening featured this makeshift stage for the ceremony.

Located in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the square was expanded to 40,300 square m, more than double its previous area of 18,840. The roadways formerly on both sides of the square were moved to the east side, while the west side in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts was rebuilt as a beautiful park with thousands of newly planted trees, including a beautiful mirror pond where the water reflects the sky. 

My attention was also drawn to relics from the national audit and inspection office from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. The pieces were discovered during the renovation and are now on display.

A park has replaced the road that existed prior to the restoration (right) and displays relics from the past (left).

The wide-open walkway connecting Gwanghwamun Station's Exit 9 to the square now features a media wall featuring video art, including a virtual aquarium. The Sejong Center and KT's headquarters to the east also had media facades that brightened the area's nightscape. The facades displayed the performances on the stage during the opening ceremony, allowing spectators away from the stage to enjoy the show as well. 

And the reconstruction of a Joseon-era platform that once stood in front of Gyeongbokgung is scheduled to be finished next year.

The media facades of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (left) and KT's headquarters (right) displayed the performances of the opening ceremony.

In addition, the square's main attractions are the iconic sculptures of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. A statue of Sejong is now adjacent to a water play area. The walkway behind the sculpture leads to the Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall, where visitors can learn about the king's accomplishments such as his invention of Hangeul. His statue is illuminated by spectacular ground lighting and spouting fountains on the left and right sides.

The sculptures of King Sejong the Great (left) and Admiral Yi Sun-sin are featured attractions at Gwanghwamun Square.

Gwanghwamun Square is a pedestrian-friendly landmark in the middle of the capital, with trees for shade from the heat, tables and seats along with services. The expanded space is expected to draw more visitors and civic activities. This is one of my favorite places in Seoul, and I'd waited a long time for the reopening. The square's unique new look made me appreciate it even more.

Gwanghwamun Square has a water play areas (left) and a virtual aquarium displayed on the media wall of the wide-open walkway connected to Exit 9 of Gwanghwamun Station.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.