[Background Music]
[Subtitle]
Gwanghwamun Square Video White Paper
[Narration]
Special for its symbolism and historicity. Here is a special place in Gwanghwamun Square.
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Gwanghwamun Square Yukjo Yard
[Narration]
Special for its symbolism and historicity, tall pine trees and a large lawn. It's none other than Yukjo Yard in Gwanghwamun Square.
[Subtitle]
Gwanghwamun Square Video White Paper
#Serene
[Narration]
Let's learn about the characteristics of Yukjo Yard and hear from citizens who love this place. Yukjo Yard is located in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, stretching from Gwanghwamun Gate and Woldae. Yukjo Yard symbolizes Yukjo Geori, where government offices were situated around in the Joseon dynasty. Yukjo Yard boasts the beautifully harmonious view of a wide lawn against the backdrop of Gwanghwamun Gate and Bugaksan Mountain.
[JI HYEON-JU, Lecturer]
Here, the past and present coexist. Something resonates in me when I look at Gwanghwamun Square. I would love to take my students here on a field trip to sightsee and interact with various tourists that visit this beautiful place.
[Narration]
Small exhibitions and events, such as hands-on traditional and cultural programs, have been held here since the reopening of Gwanghwamun Square.
What kind of content did the visitors enjoy?
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Entertainment 1: Snow Sculpture Festival
[Narration]
A snow sculpture festival was held here in the middle of summer, turning the hot summer days into a cold winter climate!
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Entertainment 2: Street Art Caravan "Autumn"
[Narration]
An exciting public performance was held with beautiful nature in the background, revitalizing citizens' daily lives.
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Entertainment 3: Taekwondo Performance
[Narration]
A series of taekwondo shows was performed from Friday to Sunday for seven weeks from September to October. The taekwondo performance group presented disciplined taekwondo moves and smashed wooden plates with their taekwondo skills. The performance attracted crowds of citizens and tourists.
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Entertainment 4: Gwanghwamun & Yukjo Geori Buried Cultural Heritage
[Narration]
There was also an educational exhibition displaying the excavated cultural heritage with antique book-shaped structures. From the founding of Joseon in 1392 to the opening of Gwanghwamun Square in 2022.
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Entertainment 5: History Waterway
[Narration]
History Waterway passes through Yukjo Yard, showing the history of Gwanghwamun. It is filled with water and emptied, signifying the ebbs and flows of history.
[KIM HO-JUN, Office Worker]
It was great to walk around the pine grove looking at various media artworks and the buried cultural heritage of the Joseon-era Saheonbu (Office of the Inspector-General). This is a perfect place to take a light stroll with colleagues after lunch.
[Narration]
Here are tall and beautiful pine trees boasting their perfect balance.
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Entertainment 6: Pine Garden
[Narration]
Pine trees are perennial plants, symbolizing integrity and fidelity. Pine trees are one of the most loved trees in Korea. The view of Gwanghwamun Gate and Bugaksan Mountain through the pine trees is amazing.
[Subtitle]
Saheonbu Gate Site Buried Cultural Heritage
[Narration]
Saheonbu (Office of the Inspector-General of Joseon) was located in this area. Remnants of drains, wells, and walls, as well as traces of gates and rooms, were found during the excavation survey of buried cultural heritage conducted from October 2020 to June 2021. The wooden eaves of traditional hanok architecture are applied to the roof of the pavilion that protects the archaeological features. The exposed exhibition allows visitors to see the archaeological site 1.2 meters below.
This has been a brief overview of Yukjo Yard. What do you think? The magnificent view of Bugaksan Mountain and Gwanghwamun Gate, its 600-year-old history, a variety of exhibitions and hands-on events, etc. Can you imagine how much more awesome Yukjo Yard would be after the restoration of the Woldae of Gwanghwamun Gate and the former site of Uijeongbu (State Council of Joseon)?
Let's hope that Yukjo Yard retains its beauty and value as a place that tells us a variety of interesting stories forever.
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Gwanghwamun Square

[Background Music]
[Narration]
Gwanghwamun Square Video White Paper
[Narration]
Here is a special place in Gwanghwamun Square.
[Subtitle]
GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE
EVENT AREA
[Narration]
The crossroads of emptiness and filling.
A venue for numerous interesting events.
An exhibition hall for media artworks.
It's none other than the event area
in Gwanghwamun Square.
[Subtitle]
GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE
Video White Paper
#VIBRANT
[Narration]
Let's learn about the characteristics of the event area
and hear from citizens who love this place.
The event area is located in front of the statue of King Sejong.
Situated at the center of Gwanghwamun Square,
it provides a wide range of interesting experiences.
Circles of different sizes and shapes are engraved in
90×90cm granite blocks of Gwanghwamun Square.
It symbolizes different thoughts and stories
of different people gathering in Gwanghwamun Square.
The surface pavement shows a sophisticated Korean style.
[Subtitle]
ENTERTAINMENT 1
August 6, 2022
Opening Ceremony of
Gwanghwamun Square
[Narration]
The opening ceremony of Gwanghwamun Square
was held here on August 6, 2022.
A variety of programs were held under the theme of
"Time, People, Space and Light of Harmony,"
including the citizens' orchestra performance,
congratulatory video and performance, and media facade.
For the opening performance, a sliding screen was installed
so that the stage could be completely open,
symbolizing Gwanghwamun Square
as a public square that is open to the citizens.
[Subtitle]
ENTERTAINMENT 2
2022
Street Cheering for
Qatar World Cup
[Narration]
Crowds of citizens were gathered in
this area for street cheering
during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Everyone could enjoy the passionate event safely.
[Subtitle]
ENTERTAINMENT 3
Winter Festivals
at Gwanghwamun
[Narration]
The Seoul Lantern Festival, Seoul Light Gwanghwa,
and Gwanghwamun Market
were held here during winter,
attracting a total of 1.3 million visitors.
In particular, a giant Christmas tree
and merchant booths were installed here,
creating a romantic Christmas atmosphere.
[Subtitle]
ENTERTAINMENT 4
Street Culture
With Everybody
[Narration]
In this area, street cultural events were also held
for younger generations,
such as basketball playoffs and dance contests.
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ENTERTAINMENT 5
Pop-up Art Exhibitions
[Narration]
Pop-up art exhibitions were also very popular.
Gwanghwamun Square is a venue for a wide range of events,
including exhibitions, performances, festivals,
sports, commemorations, and campaigns.
Let's stay tuned for more exciting cultural programs
that are accessible
with minimal structures
and noises that may cause visitors' inconvenience.
[PARK SU-JEONG, Dancer]
A variety of exhibitions, performances,
and events have been held here
since the reopening of Gwanghwamun Square.
I hope that a much wider range of art programs
are provided so that
citizens can enjoy the arts and culture in their daily lives.
[Subtitle]
ENTERTAINMENT 6
Steps to Rest &
Observe Events
[Narration]
The seating steps stretch on both sides.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of shows
or take a rest on the steps.
[SHIN JAE-AN, Middle School Student]
I live nearby, so I visit often with my family for an outing.
I look forward to enjoying more content
like the visual media wall
so that kids my age can understand
our history more easily.
I think it's great that the visual media wall
attracts children's attention and interest.
[Subtitle]
ENTERTAINMENT 7
50-m Visual Media Wall
Haechi Lounge
[Narration]
The visual media wall
leads to Haechi Lounge connected via Exit 8
of Gwanghwamun Station.
The 50-meter-long visual media wall
always presents a diversity of sophisticated visual arts.
The wide chairs in front of the visual media wall
are great for viewing the visual artworks
while also waiting to meet up with friends.
[Narration]
This has been a brief overview of the event area.
Ensconced in downtown Seoul,
featuring the statue of King Sejong
and the adjacent Sejong Center for the Performing Arts,
against the backdrop of Gwanghwamun Gate
and Bugaksan Mountain at a distance.
The event area in Gwanghwamun Square
changes every day with its magnificent background.
Let's hope that
this place becomes a playground for all citizens
where people can experience and enjoy a variety
of art and cultural programs.
[Subtitle]
GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE

[Background Music]
[Narration]
Gwanghwamun Square Video White Paper
[Narration]
Here is a special place in Gwanghwamun Square.
A place full of green energy and vitality.
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GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE
NATURAL SPACE
[Narration]
An area where you can rest and chat with friends.
It's none other than the rest areas
in Gwanghwamun Square.
Forest Square, Gathering Area, Culture Garden,
Four Seasons Garden, and Time Garden.
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GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE
Video White Paper
#PEACEFUL
[Narration]
Let's learn about the characteristics of the rest areas
and hear from citizens.
Entering Gwanghwamun Square
via Sejong-daero Sageori,
you will first come across Forest Square.
[Subtitle]
FOREST SQUARE
AT GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE
[Narration]
Beautiful zelkova trees, hackberry trees, and elm trees
lead you to a green rest area in downtown Seoul.
There are white chairs and tables
placed throughout for citizens to rest.
At the Gathering Area,
branchy trees such as ginko and hackberry trees
provide pleasant shade from the scorching sun.
Two of the ginko trees were relocated
near their original locations
where they had been before the construction
of Gwanghwamun Square.
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GATHERING AREA : JOGAKBO(PATCHWORK)
Paved With 8 Stones From
Regions Across Korea
[Narration]
The floor was paved with eight different kinds of stones
from different regions of Korea
such as Goheung(Jeollanam-do),
Sangju(Gyeongsangbuk-do), and Gapyeong(Gyeonggi-do),
which looks like a patchwork.
Live performances are also held here,
serving as a venue for buskers with ambient lighting.
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CULTURE GARDEN : MAGNIFICENT VIEW
IN FRONT OF THE SEJONG CENTER
[Narration]
In the Culture Garden
in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts,
the magnificent view spreads,
connected to Bugaksan Mountain,
Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Gwanghwamun Gate.
Oak trees, which are commonly seen in Korean forests,
are planted in this area,
which makes you feel like you are standing
in the middle of a forest.
Clear water springs up in the shade made by
18 cork oak trees, 6 sawtooth oak trees,
1 jolcham oak tree, and 3 oak trees.
The oak grove, the sky, clouds,
and people's faces are reflected on the water.
It feels like a bird will appear like in a fairy tale.
Here is a long bench for visitors to sit and take a brief rest.
[LEE JAE-JEONG, Jongno-gu, Seoul]
In the past, there was no place to sit down and take a rest
in Gwanghwamun Square.
Now, I'm pleased to see that
there are enough chairs and tables
throughout the square.
This place is great even for just sitting
and enjoying a cup of coffee like a cafe.
If you're lucky,
you might even catch a free live performance.
[Narration]
Next is the Four Seasons Garden.
You can enjoy changing seasons
in the Four Seasons Garden,
where you can see a variety of native Korean flowers
and fruits as well as fall foliage.
The flower beds built
using long rectangular blocks of hewn stone,
showing an inspiration from the “floral steps”
in the palace gardens of Joseon,
create a cozy yet exuberant atmosphere.
You can see magnolias and goldenrain trees in spring,
crape myrtle and Korean mountain ash in summer,
the red leaves of three-flowered maple trees in fall,
and red cornelian cherries in winter.
[LEE JAE-JEONG, Jongno-gu, Seoul]
It is amazing that you can see various species of trees
and plants everywhere around Gwanghwamun Square.
Every tree has a name tag on it,
so it is also educational for children.
You can just relax here.
I look forward to how the area changes in spring and summer.
[Narration]
The Time Garden comprises the exhibition area
of the site of Saheonbu Gate and the Wall Fountain.
At the site of Saheonbu Gate,
you can see the remains of Saheonbu
found during the cultural property excavation survey
of Gwanghwamun Square.
At the Wall Fountain,
you can enjoy a beautiful artificial waterfall
that falls from the upper level
to the lower level of Gwanghwamun Square.
The place will give you a chance
to think about the depth of time.
This has been a brief overview
of the five rest areas in Gwanghwamun Square.
[Subtitle]
Forest Square-Gathering Area-Culture Garden-Time Garden-Four Seasons Garden
[Narration]
Gwanghwamun Square is full of greenery!
Green trees and plants provide you
with a sweet rest, vitality, and energy.
Of course we have to take care of Gwanghwamun Square
ourselves to maintain it as a clean and pleasant place.
First, do not litter!
Second, do not make loud noises!
Third, do not enter the flower beds!
This has been a brief overview
of the facilities in Gwanghwamun Square.
[Subtitle]
GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE

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[Subtitle]
GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE
Video White Paper
[Narration]
Here is a special place in Gwanghwamun Square.
[Subtitle]
GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE
FOUNTAINS
[Narration]
The refreshing sound of water drops
from the fountain and the laughter of children
romping around the ground fountain.
Here are some of the fountains in Gwanghwamun Square.
Myeongnyang Fountain,
Hangeul Fountain, Tunnel Fountain and Spring Fountain.
[Subtitle]
GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE
Video White Paper
#ENERGETIC
[Narration]
Let's learn about
the characteristics of the fountains
and hear from citizens who love this place.
This place is particularly always full of children’s laughter.
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MYEONGNYANG FOUNTAIN
In Front of the Statue of
Admiral Yi Sun-sin
[Narration]
Myeongnyang Fountain that
powerfully gushes water is located
in front of the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
The 133 nozzles of the inner fountain
represent the 133 Japanese battleships
destroyed by Admiral Yi Sun-sin's fleet
while the nozzles of the outer fountain
represent the crane wing formation
used to fight the enemy at the Battle of Hansando.
The sculptures surrounding the fountain show
quotations and stories about his victory.
Lights of different colors make a magnificent view
with the fountain at night.
[Subtitle]
HANGEUL FOUNTAIN
Symbolic of Cheonjiin
("Heaven, Earth and Humanity")
[Narration]
Hangeul Fountain situated
next to Myeongnyang Fountain
creates 28 Korean consonants and vowels
with water streaks.
A circle, a triangle, and a square.
Don't they remind you of the shapes from
the popular Korean Netflix show Squid Game?
In fact, the shapes were made before Squid Game,
which symbolizes cheonjiin,
(meaning the heaven, earth and humanity in Korean),
the main principles behind the creation of Hangeul.
You can enjoy sparkling fountain water
reflecting sunlight during the day
and find Korean alphabets made by water streaks
and lights at night.
[CHOI JAE-YEON, Jongno-gu, Seoul]
We played in the fountain last summer
and really enjoyed it.
I hope we can do the same this summer, too.
[Subtitle]
TUNNEL FOUNTAIN
Arched Fountain
Next to Hangeul Fountain
[Narration]
You can see an arched fountain
called Tunnel Fountain
next to Hangeul Fountain.
It continues from History Waterway
in which you can learn about the
630 years of history from the founding
of the Joseon dynasty while walking along.
The 77 water streaks of Tunnel Fountain
symbolize 77 years' history
from the liberation of Korea
to the opening of Gwanghwamun Square(2022).
Children romp around the fountain
and couples enjoy light strolls arm in arm.
You can take a beautiful photo here.
Many people take group photos
to commemorate their reunion or gatherings.
[HONG EON-UI, Jongno-gu, Seoul]
There are many fountain facilities
in Gwanghwamun Square
so it has become a good place
to enjoy outdoor activities.
I brought my granddaughters last year
and they played in the fountain all day long.
They were having so much fun that
I jumped into the fountain, too.
It's great that there is a place
where children can play in downtown Seoul.
[Subtitle]
SPRING FOUNTAIN
Gushes of Water
Like Spring Water
[Narration]
The last is Spring Fountain.
Spring Fountain is conceived from the well
discovered at the site of Saheonbu.
Water gushes out like spring water
and concave parts are decorated
with concentric circle patterns.
It requires a high level of skills and hard work.
Children particularly love this place.
Gwanghwamun Square is a wading pool in downtown Seoul.
They never get bored thanks to a variety of fountains.
They can freely romp around,
play with water, and learn about our history and culture.
Don’t forget to bring a towel and spare clothes
when you visit Gwanghwamun Square in summer.
You will need enough time to enjoy
Gwanghwamun Square to the fullest.
[Subtitle]
GWANGHWAMUN SQUARE