Seoul sights
Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace: The Heart of Seoul Connected in a Single Frame
From the Statue of King Sejong to Gwanghwamun Gate and Gyeongbokgung Palace, we explore a short, dense route where a modern public square connects with a Joseon Dynasty royal palace.
Selmit · Updated
Based on a YouTube videoSource videoExpedia · Play from the related sceneWatch video ↗Standing in Gwanghwamun Square, the Statue of King Sejong lines up directly in front of Gwanghwamun Gate and Bugaksan Mountain. The Expedia video briefly sweeps across this axis, leaving a lasting impression because it captures both Seoul's present and the Joseon capital’s urban planning in a single view. Rather than just checking off individual attractions, it is much more interesting to see this place as a street where the city's timeline flows in a straight line.
1. The Story Told First by the Square
The current site of the square was once Yugjo-geori (Six Ministries Street), lined with major government offices during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it overlaps with statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a public gathering space, and pedestrian pathways leading to Cheonggyecheon Stream and the palace. The majestic composition in the video stems not merely from a backdrop, but from the historical axis of the capital's center.
2. Why You Should Walk Slowly to the Palace Entrance
The distance from the statue to Gwanghwamun Gate is not far, but your perspective continuously shifts. As you get closer, the gate appears larger while the mountain behind is partially obscured. Personally, the most fascinating moment is moving slightly north from the center of the square. The palace, previously tucked between modern buildings, gradually becomes the star of the frame.
3. Creating a Theme Even for a Short Itinerary
If you are short on time, you can simply connect the Statue of King Sejong, the front of Gwanghwamun Gate, and the first courtyard inside the palace. If you have extra time, add either Cheonggyecheon Stream or Seochon to your route. Operating conditions for underground facilities like the 'Story of King Sejong' exhibition can change, so be sure to check official guidelines before visiting.
Video Highlight Point
The advantage of this course is not the walking distance, but the density of the scenes. After checking the frontal composition shown in the video, take a look around the side paths and the back, and you will see that the center of Seoul cannot be explained by just one direction.
Quick Summary
| Perspective | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| The Square | Modern Seoul's civic space and historical figures |
| Gwanghwamun Gate | The boundary transitioning from city streets to the royal palace |
| Gyeongbokgung Palace | Experiencing the spatial order of Joseon through gates and royal halls |
Verified Official Sources
Official sources and public videos were verified on September 8, 2026. Please check the latest announcements from each location regarding operating hours, fees, and event schedules before visiting.