Gwanghwamun Square
A citizen's space full of historical attractions and recreational activities
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175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Reservation
Same-day visit and on-site registration (reservation not available)
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Prices & Programs of Gwanghwamun Square
- Open for free
- [User Guide]
- Gwanghwamun Lounge Hours: 9:00 ~ 18:00
Parenting Tips for Gwanghwamun Square
- Gwanghwamun Square is a public space located at the central west side between Gwanghwamun and Sejong-daero intersection, and has recently been improved for nicer walks with children.
- Various participatory games and exhibitions are held seasonally, so it's recommended to check the events before visiting. (As of March 2024, a media art exhibition is ongoing, along with 'Playground of Light' and 'World Food Zone' at Gwanghwamun Square.)
- It is great to visit along with tourist sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Kyobo Bookstore's Gwanghwamun branch, statues of King Sejong/Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History.
- In summer, fountains and water play areas open and have been very popular.
- It's close enough to walk to from Cheonggyecheon, and it's also a good walking course with Bukchon and Anguk-dong.
- Through the 'Modu's Parking Lot' app, there is a handy tip to park all day for about 5,000 ~ 6,000 KRW, highly recommended.
- It was nice to explore the Sejong Center's exhibition and play in the square afterwards.
Gwanghwamun Square, where you can enjoy history and nature with your child
What makes Gwanghwamun Square special
Gwanghwamun Square is one of Korea's most iconic public squares, located at 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It has been a central national space since the Joseon era, and since opening to the public in 2009, it has remained an important symbol of Seoul, a place for people to relax, and an open space where a variety of cultural events take place.
Main sights and experiences
King Sejong Statue
At the center of the wide square, you will find the statue of King Sejong, who is famous for creating Hangeul. Behind the grand statue is the Sejong Story exhibition hall, where you and your child can explore King Sejong's achievements, stories about Hangeul, and hands-on exhibits in person.Admiral Yi Sun-sin Statue and fountain
On the south side, there is a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, making it a great place to naturally talk with your child about Korean history. Around the statue, fountains and an artificial pond are perfect for cooling off in summer.Outdoor gardens and lawn square
The gardens, where you can feel nature in every season, and the wide lawn square are great for kids to run around, and they are also popular for family picnics. It is a special space that embraces nature right in the middle of downtown Seoul.A historical walk through Gwanghwamun Square
The square holds many stories you can explore with your child, including the relocation of the capital to Hanyang by King Taejo of Joseon, the recreation of Yukjo Street, and its role as a symbol of democracy in modern and contemporary history.
Visitor information and amenities
Amenities
Unsupported amenities: high chairs, nursing room, diaper changing station, stroller rental, parking, reservationsOperating hours
No business hours information availableAdmission fee
It is free, so anyone can visit comfortably.Accessibility for visitors with disabilities and families with young children
The ground inside the square is flat, so families using wheelchairs or strollers can move around comfortably. For accessible restrooms, you can use nearby public institutions or subway stations, such as Gwanghwamun Station Exit 9.
How to get there
Subway
About a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5
Or walk from Exit 6 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3Bus
Various trunk, branch, wide-area, circular, and airport buses stop at Gwanghwamun Square and nearby bus stops.
Nearby attractions for a recommended course
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
- Seoul City Hall
- Deoksugung Palace
Visiting together with these and other famous Seoul attractions within walking distance can make for an even fuller day.
Why it is great to visit with kids
- A wide and safe space where kids can run around freely
- Learning through history and cultural experience halls and large-scale sculptures
- A variety of nature experiences, including fountains, ponds, and lawns
- Many food spots and cultural spaces gathered nearby
Gwanghwamun Square is one of Seoul's representative open spaces and an ideal place for a city walk and historical experience with your child. Visit in person and make special memories with your child.
"[Visitor Information]
Gwanghwamun Lounge hours: 9:00 ~ 18:00"
FAQ about Gwanghwamun Square
What are the must-see highlights and experiences when visiting Gwanghwamun Square with a child?
At Gwanghwamun Square, you can see the statue of King Sejong, the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, fountains, and wide outdoor lawn gardens. After recent improvements, it has become even better for walking, and a variety of cultural experience events take place by season, including media art exhibitions, participatory play, and exhibitions. Since various events such as media art exhibitions, Light Playground, and World Food Zone are available as of March 2024, we recommend checking the main events in advance before your visit. Nearby, you can also look around places such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Kyobo Book Centre, and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History.Is Gwanghwamun Square convenient to visit with a stroller, wheelchair, or other wheeled mobility devices?
Gwanghwamun Square has flat ground and a wide-open layout, so getting around with a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter is convenient. Gwanghwamun Square itself does not provide a separate stroller rental service, but it is very easy to reach by public transportation such as the subway and buses, and it is also connected on foot to various Seoul attractions such as Cheonggyecheon Stream, Bukchon, and Anguk-dong.Does Gwanghwamun Square have play spaces or hands-on activities for children?
Gwanghwamun Square does not have a large permanent playground facility, but seasonal participatory play events, outdoor media art, food zones, family-friendly programs, and outdoor exhibitions are run regularly. In summer, the fountain and water play area operate and are very popular with children. For schedules and details, please check the official website and event notices.What are the admission fee and operating hours for Gwanghwamun Square?
Gwanghwamun Square is a public outdoor space for citizens and is open free of charge. The square itself can be used at all times without separate opening or closing hours. However, some indoor spaces such as Gwanghwamun Lounge are available from 9:00 to 18:00, so it is a good idea to check the time in advance. Events and indoor or exhibition spaces may have separate operating hours or closing days, so please confirm before visiting.Does Gwanghwamun Square have family amenities such as a nursing room, diaper changing station, stroller rental, or parking?
Inside Gwanghwamun Square, amenities such as high chairs, a nursing room, a diaper changing station, stroller rental, parking, and reservations are not directly provided. However, you can use nearby parking lots through the Everyone's Parking app, with all-day rates of 5,000 won to 6,000 won, and for other needed amenities, you may need to use nearby facilities such as the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Kyobo Book Centre, or subway stations such as Gwanghwamun Station.
Gwanghwamun Square Address
Address: 175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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How to make a reservation for Gwanghwamun Square?
Same-day visit and on-site registration (reservation not available)