Gwanghwamun Plaza - 광화문광장 Page - InfoMap

Gwanghwamun Plaza - 광화문광장

Public Space Square Street

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Gwanghwamun Plaza (Korean: 광화문광장; also known as Gwanghwamun Square) is a public open space on Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The plaza was opened on 1 August 2009 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and is part of the City's plans for environmentally friendly renovation projects such as the Cheonggye Stream and Seoul Plaza. It is also historically significant as the location of royal administrative buildings, known as Yukjo-geori or Street of Six Ministries; and features statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin of Joseon Dynasty and King Sejong the Great of Joseon. The goal of opening and reconstructing this plaza is to make it a historical and cultural place for the common citizen. The area of the Gwanghwamun Plaza has a long history. It has been a public space and road for centuries of Korean history. Sometime in the 20th century it was converted into a 16-lane roadway. Construction of the plaza was originally scheduled to begin in February 2008, however it was delayed because of opposition from the National Police Agency, who were concerned that the plaza could be abused as a venue for mass protests. Construction commenced on 23 April 2008, after the Government decreed it a demonstration-free zone. The plaza was opened on 1 August 2009 after a renovation period of 15 months, which downsized the 600-meter Sejongno from 16 lanes to 10 lanes of traffic, at a cost of ₩44.5 billion. From end of 2020 to August 2022, Gwanghwamun Plaza was closed and redesigned. During the renovation, the street alignment has been changed and the plaza has been expanded. It was reopened on 6 August 2022.

Inserted: 16-01-2023 07:01:23

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Streets in the city of Seoul

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Joseon Dynasty

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