Intro – 광화문 광장
Gwanghwamun Square is one of the main public event spaces in Seoul where visitors can watch live cultural performances, attend seasonal festivals, and occasionally experience K-pop concerts and major national ceremonies held throughout the year.
Visitors can take photos with the iconic statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin while learning about the invention of Hangeul and Korea’s historic naval victories, before starting an easy walking route to nearby attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.
Located in the heart of Jongno, this open plaza allows travelers to experience both modern Korean city culture and historical landmarks in one place, making it an ideal starting point for a 1-day walking tour in central Seoul.
Location
Gwanghwamun Square is located in the heart of Jongno District and sits directly in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace’s main gate.
✔ Google Maps Location:
👉 View Gwanghwamun Square Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps
Menu (Travel Route Recommendation)
• Gyeongbokgung Palace (5 min walk)
A royal palace from the Joseon Dynasty where visitors can watch the royal guard changing ceremony and explore traditional Korean architecture.
• Bukchon Hanok Village (15 min walk)
A scenic residential village filled with preserved Korean hanok houses and traditional tea cafes.
• Cheonggyecheon Stream (10 min walk)
A relaxing urban stream that offers peaceful walking paths through downtown Seoul, especially popular during evening hours.
• Tongin Traditional Market (20 min walk)
A local market where you can create your own Korean lunchbox using traditional brass coins.
Experience
Starting your walking route at Gwanghwamun Square allows you to explore most of Jongno’s iconic attractions within a short distance.
At the center of the square, visitors can see the statue of King Sejong, the creator of Hangul, the Korean alphabet used by over 75 million people worldwide today.
Nearby stands the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a Korean naval commander best known for his leadership during major naval battles against Japanese invasions in the late 16th century.
Gwanghwamun Square frequently hosts cultural performances, traditional experience programs, and seasonal public events, especially on weekends.
Visitors may encounter outdoor exhibitions, live performances, or hands-on cultural activities taking place throughout the plaza, turning the area into an open-air cultural space for both locals and international travelers.
Final Thoughts
Gwanghwamun Square is not just a historical landmark — it is a convenient starting point for a full-day walking route across Jongno.
With multiple attractions and Korean restaurants located within walking distance, the square provides easy access to some of Seoul’s most visited cultural sites.
Nearby Attractions in Jongno
• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno for a Royal Palace Walking Experience
Best Time to Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul – Free Hanbok Entry, Cherry Blossoms & Autumn Foliage Walking Route
• vist Seochon Village Near Gyeongbokgung for Local Cafes and Hidden Korean Restaurants
Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Hanok Village, Traditional Market and Korean BBQ in Jongno Seoul
• Visit Tongin Traditional Market in Jongno to Make Your Own Korean Lunchbox
Tongin Market Coin Lunchbox and Korean Street Food Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Visit Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno to Complete Your 1 Day Walking Trip
Jongno 1 Day Walking Itinerary (2026 Guide) – Palaces, Street Food & Hidden Local Spots
More Places to Eat in Jongno
• Visit a Korean Tteokbokki Restaurant Near Gwanghwamun for a Quick Street Food Snack
Must-Try Korean Tteokbokki Set Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Local Street Food Within Walking Distance in Jongno Seoul
• Visit a Korean Chicken Soup Restaurant in Seochon for a Warm and Light Traditional Korean Meal.
Best Restaurants Near Gyeongbokgung – Healthy Korean Chicken Soup with Ginseng in Seochon Jongno
• Visit a Korean Traditional Hanjeongsik Restaurant in Insadong for a Full-Course Korean Dining Experience.
Must-Try Korean Traditional Set Meal Near Gyeongbokgung – Local Full Course Restaurant in Jongno
• Visit a Korean Bulgogi Restaurant in Jongno for a Traditional Grilled Beef Meal Near Gyeongbokgung.
Best Korean BBQ Lunch Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – 30-Year Local Bulgogi Restaurant in Jongno
• Visit a Local Coffee Shop in Myeongnyun Area Near Gyeongbokgung for a Quick Break.
Budget Americano Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – $1.50 Coffee (2,000 KRW) in Jongno Seoul
• Visit a Korean-Style Chicken Burger Restaurant in Jongno for a Fast and Easy Meal Option.
Affordable Chicken Burger Near Gyeongbokgung – 7,900 KRW Korean Fast Food in Seoul
• Visit a Korean BBQ restaurant like Myeongnyun Jinsa Galbi or try a local chicken burger such as Mom’s Touch Thigh Burger near Gwanghwamun after exploring the square
Best Value Korean BBQ in Jongno Seoul – Pork Galbi and Samgyeopsal Together
Practical Information
✔ Google Maps Location:
👉 View Gwanghwamun Square Location & Walking Directions on Google Maps