Gwanghwamun SquareGyeongbokgung · Bukchon 3
Photo: KTOThe square in front of Gwanghwamun, the palace's main gate, is the heart of Seoul. The seated statue of King Sejong, who created the Korean alphabet, and the standing statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin make it one of the city's signature views.
Beneath King Sejong's statue is "The Story of King Sejong", a free exhibition on Hangul and his achievements. At night the gate is lit up, giving the square a different atmosphere.
Key information
| Hours | Open all day (the exhibition has its own hours) |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | about 0.5 hours |
| Nearest station | Gyeongbokgung Stn / Anguk Stn (Line 3) |
| Area | Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon |
Hours and fees are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Please check official sources before you go.
Nearest station: Gwanghwamun (Line 5). Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) is also a short walk.
Plan a trip with Gwanghwamun Square
Getting there
| From | Route | Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport | AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~82 min | 6,300 KRW |
| Gimpo Airport | AREX (all-stop) → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~43 min | 1,750 KRW |
| Seoul Station | Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~15 min | 1,550 KRW |
Times are to the Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon area's nearest station; walk from there.
Nearby spots
Photo: KTO
Gyeongbokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~800 mMain palace of the Joseon dynasty. Closed Tuesdays. Adults ₩3,000 (free in hanbok). A fee increase is under review (date not yet set).Photo: KTO
Bukchon Hanok VillageGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.4 kmA residential hanok neighbourhood. The restricted zone is open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only; violations can be fined.Photo: KTO
Photo: KTO
Changdeokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.5 kmUNESCO-listed palace. Closed Mondays. Adults ₩3,000 (Secret Garden extra, limited entry).Photo: KTO
Cheonggyecheon StreamIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~300 mA downtown streamside walkway, beautifully lit at night.Photo: KTO
Insadong-gil & SsamziegilIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~700 mTraditional crafts, hanji paper and tea houses — great for souvenirs.Photo: KTO
Myeongdong Shopping StreetMyeongdong · ~1.2 kmMain street of cosmetics shops, duty-free stores and street food.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Gwanghwamun Square?
Open all day (the exhibition has its own hours). Please check the official website for the latest information.
How much does Gwanghwamun Square cost?
Free.
How do I get to Gwanghwamun Square?
The nearest station is Gyeongbokgung Stn / Anguk Stn (Line 3). From Incheon Airport it takes about 82 minutes and costs around ₩6,300.