South Korea has architecture and cultures that transcend time: not only are cities filled with modern architecture and facilities, but parts of Korean towns preserve traditional architectures that portray Korea’s identity. Yet many towns have evanescent connections with Korean history — clusters or towns with traditional Korean architecture that show Korea’s tradition but do not tell much of its story. This article will introduce a famous spotlight of Korea that many foreign tourists visit for granted, but do so without much knowledge of the story it has to tell: Gwanghwamun.
Gwanghwamun, meaning ‘the door filled with light and shined with harmony’, was originally one of the four main gates to the GyeongbokGung, the residence of kings and the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty. The sophisticated architecture and meticulous structure all made of wooden pieces speak for themselves the intricacy behind the gate’s structure. The gate once proudly stood as the face of the Joseon royal family’s power, protecting the palace with its lofty doors and well-trained guards in front.
Gwanghwamun is covered by the Japanese General Government Building
(Kookjae 2015)
The light that shines on Gwanghwamun was dimmed at times when Korea faced hardships. In the early 1900s, Imperial Japan took control of the Korean peninsula, starting a time of Japanese assimilation and education. Imperialized Korea indeed saw growth in education and industries. Yet it lost the unique cultural identity that represented the country’s heritage and history. Symbolically, in 1926, Imperial Japan built the Japanese General Government Building in front of Gwanghwamun, covering not only the gate but also the entire GyeongbokGung. To Koreans, the architecture was insulting — not because it was built by the Japanese, but because it covered the architecture representing their country’s history. Luckily, in 1995, the South Korean government took down the Japanese General Government Building, televising Gwanghwamun to gain its light once more.
Gwanghwamun Square Before Renovation
(Landscape Times 2019)
Gwanghwamun Square After Renovation
(Seoul Sarang 2022)
Today, Gwanghwamun stands as an iconic epicenter of Korean culture, festivals, and even political rallies and protests. Now known as the Gwanghwamun Square, the location serves various festivals and events of music, performance, and theater. A place you could visit in Gwanghwamun Square is the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, where you can see various performances of Opera, Orchestra, Theater, and Art. In the middle of Gwanghwamun Square crosses the Cheonggyecheon River, where many Korean families and couples visit to walk across and play. At the Cheonggyecheon River, you immerse yourself in the Korean atmosphere and take beautiful shots with friends and loved ones.
(Secret Seoul 2022)
Something you cannot miss as a tourist when visiting Gwanghwamun is taking a visit to GyeongbokGung. Inside the palace, you can see it as if it was during the Joseon Dynasty. Here, many Koreans and tourists visit with friends, wearing Hanbok (traditional attire of Korea) and taking pictures with the Palace buildings and walls in the background.
(Joongang 2024)
If you are lucky enough to visit at the right time, you can also enjoy the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market, which happens at several locations including Cheonggyecheon in summer. In the market, you could see lines of food trucks, where families and friends enjoy the boisterous atmosphere of the night market and busking nearby streets.
(Yeonhap 2018)
Historically, Gwanghwamun has been a symbolic landmark of light and Korean heritage to the Korean people. Now, it has evolved into a famous, energetic sphere of cultural fusion, tourism, art, and interaction that every one of different nationalities, ages, and personalities can enjoy. Make sure to visit Gwanghwamun Square on your next trip to South Korea, and indulge yourself with the Korean spirit!
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