Gwanghwamun Square Seoul
A grand public square in Seoul, blending historical monuments with modern art installations and vibrant festivals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festive lights and markets
Gwanghwamun Square Seoul
Best Time
Festive lights and markets

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand public square in Seoul, blending historical monuments with modern art installations and vibrant festivals.
"Gwanghwamun Square is a must-visit for its blend of history, culture, and dazzling light festivals."
Use Local Maps 🗺️
Google Maps is unreliable in Korea. Download Naver Maps or KakaoMap for accurate navigation.
Check Event Schedules 📅
Gwanghwamun Square hosts many festivals. Check dates to catch events or avoid crowds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

King Sejong the Great Statue
Gwanghwamun Square
A majestic bronze statue honoring Korea's most revered king, a symbol of wisdom and progress.

Admiral Yi Sun-sin Statue
Gwanghwamun Square
Commemorating the legendary naval hero who defended Korea against Japanese invasions.

Seoul Lantern Festival
Cheonggyecheon Stream to Cheonggye Square
A dazzling display of illuminated lanterns, transforming the city into a magical wonderland.

Seoul Light Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun Square
Spectacular digital art projections that illuminate the historic Gwanghwamun Gate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating Seoul's Streets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Use Local Maps 🗺️
Google Maps is unreliable in Korea. Download Naver Maps or KakaoMap for accurate navigation.
Check Event Schedules 📅
Gwanghwamun Square hosts many festivals. Check dates to catch events or avoid crowds.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the square and surrounding areas.
Visit Kyobo Bookstore 📚
A must-visit for book lovers, located near Gwanghwamun Square.
Tips
from all over the internet
Use Local Maps 🗺️
Google Maps is unreliable in Korea. Download Naver Maps or KakaoMap for accurate navigation.
Check Event Schedules 📅
Gwanghwamun Square hosts many festivals. Check dates to catch events or avoid crowds.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the square and surrounding areas.
Visit Kyobo Bookstore 📚
A must-visit for book lovers, located near Gwanghwamun Square.
Enjoy the Night Views ✨
The square and nearby Cheonggyecheon Stream are beautifully lit up at night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gwanghwamun Square for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere, especially during festivals. The iconic statues and the grandeur of the square are major highlights. However, some find it can get very crowded during popular events, and navigating with non-local map apps can be a minor inconvenience.
"After visiting the palace, we walked through the main gate to this lively road full of locals and tourists. Janice way to explore Seoul street life. Best time to do this walk is in the evening, walk from the palace gate through this area to the stream."
P S
"It is great place to visit especially during cherry blossom week. Chilly weather make a difference for the week but it did not stop the crowd. Highly recommend to get your Hanbook in for photo shooting"
tung how run
"This walking area is insanely awesome. Especially when Netflix is putting out the squid game promotion. There were people everywhere, the dolls were standing around, even the guards were there. There are sitting areas and there's all these famous buildings around the plaza. It's a must for any visitor to Seoul. It takes you straight to the Royal Palace and the Royal museum. Easily get here using the subway which by the way is very easy to ride."
David Lan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gwanghwamun Square is easily accessible by Seoul's subway system. Take Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2 or 9) or Line 1 to City Hall Station (Exit 1 or 2). For Cheonggyecheon Stream, use Euljiro 3-ga Station (Lines 2 & 5, Exit 1).
Yes, Gwanghwamun Square is a major landmark in central Seoul, located directly in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It's hard to miss!
For navigation in Seoul, it's highly recommended to use local apps like Naver Maps or KakaoMap, as Google Maps is not fully functional for driving or walking directions.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Myeongdong to Gwanghwamun Square, taking about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the subway one stop on Line 4 to Chungmuro and transfer to Line 5 to Gwanghwamun.
While there are parking lots available, they can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially during events. Public transportation is generally the most convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gwanghwamun Square itself is a public space and is free to enter. However, specific events or attractions within or around the square may have admission fees.
Gwanghwamun Square is open 24/7 as it's a public plaza. However, individual attractions or events held there will have their own operating hours.
No, the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin are public monuments within Gwanghwamun Square and are free to view.
The Seoul Lantern Festival typically runs from mid-December to mid-January. It's best to check the official dates for the year you plan to visit, as it's a popular event.
Seoul Light Gwanghwamun is usually a free public art installation. Check the official Seoul Light website for specific dates and any potential changes.
📸 📸 Photography
The statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin offer great photo opportunities. The Gwanghwamun Gate itself, especially when lit up at night, is also a stunning subject.
Absolutely! The Seoul Lantern Festival is a photographer's dream. Be prepared for crowds, especially around the most impressive lantern displays.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. Nighttime is also spectacular, especially during light festivals or when the square is illuminated.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, be mindful of any temporary restrictions during special events or if photographing specific exhibits.
For night shots with light trails, consider using a tripod and a longer exposure time. Experiment with aperture and ISO to achieve the desired effect.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The area around Gwanghwamun Square offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Korean restaurants to modern cafes. You can find recommendations for Korean fusion or Han Ok style restaurants.
While some restaurants can be pricey, exploring side streets and smaller eateries can lead to more budget-friendly options. Look for local 'Gukbap' (rice soup) or 'Bibimbap' places.
Consider trying traditional dishes like 'Samgyetang' (ginseng chicken soup) or 'Bulgogi' (marinated grilled beef). For a more unique experience, look for Korean fusion restaurants.
Yes, there are several cafes located within or very close to Gwanghwamun Square, offering a place to rest and enjoy a beverage.
While Gwanghwamun Square itself might not have extensive street food, nearby areas like Insadong or Myeongdong are known for their vibrant street food scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours for easier navigation and to allow kids to run around. Nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace (though requiring a separate ticket) offer more historical context and space for exploration. Pack snacks and drinks, as while there are cafes, dedicated family-friendly dining might require a short walk.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save on food, explore local eateries away from the immediate tourist hotspots or consider grabbing some delicious and affordable street food from nearby areas like Insadong or Myeongdong. Pack a reusable water bottle to refill at public fountains or cafes.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Seoul Lantern Festival is a prime opportunity for capturing stunning night photography, with intricate lantern designs creating magical scenes. Remember to bring a tripod for low-light conditions and consider using local navigation apps to find the best vantage points and avoid getting lost in the crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Seoul's History
The square is dominated by two iconic statues: King Sejong the Great, the revered monarch credited with creating the Korean alphabet (Hangul), and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a national hero celebrated for his victories against Japanese naval forces. These figures represent key aspects of Korean identity – intellectualism and resilience.
Beyond the statues, the square often hosts public events, exhibitions, and festivals, making it a dynamic space that reflects the pulse of modern Seoul while remaining deeply rooted in its past. It's a place where history, culture, and daily life converge.
Experiencing Gwanghwamun Square's Festivals
During the winter months, the square often hosts festive markets, such as the Christmas Market or Seoul Winter Festa, bringing a cozy and celebratory atmosphere. These markets are perfect for finding unique souvenirs, enjoying seasonal treats, and soaking in the holiday spirit.
Another highlight is Seoul Light Gwanghwamun, a captivating digital art exhibition that projects stunning visuals onto the historic Gwanghwamun Gate. This modern art installation offers a unique blend of technology and heritage, creating a memorable visual experience, especially after dark. It's advisable to check the event schedules in advance to plan your visit around these vibrant celebrations.
Navigating Seoul Like a Local
Subway lines are the backbone of Seoul's transit system. Gwanghwamun Square is directly served by Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), making it incredibly convenient to reach. Other nearby stations include City Hall (Line 1 & 2) and Gyeongbokgung (Line 3), offering further accessibility. For those looking to explore beyond the immediate vicinity, understanding the subway map and using these local navigation apps will significantly enhance your travel experience and help you avoid the frustration of unreliable mapping services.
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