Gwanghwamun was a center of history, politics and culture for 600 years before the Japanese colonialists opened the street to automobile traffic as part of their policy to systematically destroy Korean culture and history. Now, Gwanghwamun has recovered its old glory – in fact, it has now been made even better.

Gwanghwamun Plaza is a place where the past and the present meet to inspire the future: Seoul symbol Haechi, Admiral Yi Sun-shin statue and the Fountain 12.23, statue of King Sejong, the creator of Hangeul, “Stream of History,” and the panoramic view of Gyeongbokgung, Mt. Bukak and Mt. Bukhan all make up the new plaza.

The Gwanghwamun Plaza, the heart of Seoul, opened to the public Aug. 1 after 15 months of construction.

The Gwanghwamun Plaza, measuring 34 meters wide and 557 meters long, connects Sejongno and Cheonggyecheon. The plaza restores Gwanghwamun’s significance as the center of Korea’s history, politics and culture. To restore the uninterrupted view of Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung, Mt. Bukak and Mt. Bukhan, the gingko trees planted by the Japanese were transplanted in May of 2008, signaling the start of the Gwanghwamun Plaza project.

The Gwanghwamun Plaza is a place to experience history where a replica of the long forgotten Yukjo street has been created. It is also a pedestrian-centered space that connects Cheonggyecheon and Gyeongbokgung. The uninterrupted view of Mt. Bukhan is another reason to visit the Gwanghwamun Plaza.

The Gwanghwamun Plaza was created by reducing the 16-lane Sejongno to 10 lanes. Haechi madang features Yukjo street from the Joseon period while Admiral Yi Sun-shin and the “Fountain 12.23” tell the story of the admiral’s naval victories over Japanese invaders. “Steam of History” marks the significant events in Seoul’s 500-year history. The statue of King Sejong will be unveiled on Hangeul Day, Oct. 9, will occupy the center of the Gwanghwamun Plaza.

The street, pedestrian pavement and the plaza have all been covered using domestic granite. On public holidays and weekends when there are special events, the motor traffic may be restricted to create a 100 meter wide space.

“Fountain 12.23” has been erected around the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin. Sprouting water from 300 nozzles, the fountain measures 17 meters in width and 68 meters in length.

The name of the water fountain reflects the spirit of Admiral Yi. The “12” refers to his 12 ships that defeated 133 enemy ships at the Battle of Myeongryang. When King Seonjo ordered the dismissal of the navy, Admiral Yi replied that he still has 12 ships left. The “23” refers to Admiral Yi’s 23 victories in 23 battles and commemorates his love of the country.

The water fountain tells the story of Yi’s 23 victories in 23 battles, including the Battle of Hansan and the Battle of Myeongryang. Two hundred twenty-eight sharp water fountains and 136 floor water fountains create diverse shapes with colorful illumination. When not in operation, the water fountain becomes a 5 centimeter-deep mirror pond, reflecting the surrounding view. Also, the water can be drained and the space used as part of the plaza. Photo zones have been created in front of the water fountain.

The Haechi Madang connects the plaza and the Gwanghwamun station on subway line no. 5. Various Haechi creations and the original Yukjo street excavated last September during the Gwanghwamun Plaza construction are on display. Nursing room and powder rooms, children’s toilets, disabled person’s toilet and elevators have been installed at the Haechi Madang.

Haechi board, an IT audiovisual system, is installed on the path from the Haechi Madang and the ground level plaza. The city expects the spot to be a new center of mass street cheerleading which first emerged during the 2002 World Cup.

“Stream of History” runs to the right and left of the Gwanghwamun Plaza. Measuring 1 meter in width and 2 meters in length, the stream has been covered with special glass that can withstand the weight of vehicles. The streams are illuminated by LED lights.

The stream on the eastside shows the major historical events from the founding of the Joseon kingdom in 1392 to 2009 engraved in 617 stone plates. The stream on the westside has been left empty for the future generations.

The statue of King Sejong, which will be unveiled on Hangeul Day, is located about 250 meters north of the Admiral Yi Sun-shin statue. The lower part of the statue will show the Korean writing system and the story of how Hangeul was created.

An audiovisual presentation of King Sejong’s rule and the scientific base of Hangeul’s creation will be on display along with the king’s major inventions, including the sundial, water clock, rainfall gauge. The base of the statue will also show how King Sejong expanded the borders to the northern territories.

The Gwanghwamun Plaza is poised to become a popular attraction where visitors can experience history and enjoy a panoramic view.