In the heart of Seoul sits Gwanghwamun Square, a bustling public square filled with 600 years of Korea’s vast history and culture. Opened in August 2009, Gwanghwamun Square juxtaposes elegant traditional buildings against towering skyscrapers, tastefully combining both history and modernity.

Spanning 20,000 square metres of land, Gwanghwamun Square is proof of ancient Korea’s prosperity. Visiting the square is like taking a trip down Korea’s memory lane, as it is filled with historical monuments and museums. Take your time to admire the impressive statues of the most influential figures of the Joseon Dynasty: King Sejong the Great, who changed the course of Korean writing by inventing the Hangul alphabet, and Admiral Yi Sunshin, who was an invaluable and undefeatable naval genius.

The highlights of Gwanghwamun Square include the vibrant, 162 metre long “flower carpet” in the center of the square, and the iconic Gwanghwamun Gate with its majestic structure overlooking the tranquil view of Bukasan Mountain. Gwanghwamun Square continues to be a shining attraction even at night with lights glittering from the buildings and vibrant fountains, and is the best place to experience Korea’s lively culture and vast history.