Gwanghwamun Square: Festivals, Events & Iconic Sights

Gwanghwamun Square is one of those places where you can really feel the heart of Seoul. It stretches 555 meters from the iconic Gwanghwamun Gate to Sejong-ro, one of the busiest streets in the city. With Bugaksan Mountain standing tall in the background, it perfectly blends old Seoul with the hustle of modern life. Named after the “Gate of Light,” this square is where history, culture, and city vibes come together. If you want to see the soul of Seoul, this is where to begin.

General information about Gwanghwamun Square

• Address: 172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 172
• Open hours: 24/7
• Fee: Free
• Restroom available
• Website: gwanghwamun.seoul.go.kr

Gwanghwamun Square is thoughtfully designed to blend historical significance with modern amenities. The square is equipped with several rest areas shaded by tall pine trees, perfect for relaxing while enjoying views of Gwanghwamun Gate and Bugaksan Mountain. 

For those interested in learning more, the Haechi Lounge offers a media window where visitors can explore the square’s history and significance. The square also features public restrooms, including facilities at the Haechi Lounge and the nearby Sejong-ro Public Parking Lot, ensuring convenience for all. 

The fountain is another highlight, and the best time to see it is at night when the illuminated water display adds an enchanting touch to the square’s atmosphere.

How to get to Gwanghwamun Square

By Subway:

• Line 5 – Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2): Direct access to the square.
• Line 1 – Jonggak Station (Exit 1): Walk straight about 450 meters. The square will be on your right.
• Line 3 – Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 6): Walk about 260 meters toward Gyeongbokgung Palace. The square will be on your right.

Via Bus:

Getting to Gwanghwamun Square by bus is super easy — there are tons of routes that stop nearby. Here’s a quick guide:

• Rapid Bus: 1000, 1100, 1200, 1900, 9701, 9703, M7106, M7129, 9714, 9709, 9710, 9710-1, G7111, M7111, M7154, 1004, 8600, 8601, G6005, M7119, 5000A, 5000B, 5005, 5500-2, 9000, 9000-1, 9200, 9401
• Trunk Bus: 101, 103, 109, 150, 160, 260, 270, 271, 273, 370, 401, 406, 470, 600, 601, 602, 606, 700, 702A, 702B, 704, 707, 708, 720, 721, 741, N26, N37, N51, N75
• Branch Bus: 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7019, 7022, 7212
• Circulation Bus: 01 (KT Gwanghwamun Branch)
• Airport Bus: 6002

On Foot:

If you’re already exploring central Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square is a short walk from Cheonggyecheon Stream and Deoksugung Palace.

Best photo spots at Gwanghwamun Square

Yukjo Yard

This spot used to be where the important government offices were during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s a nice open area now, perfect for a stroll. Yukjo Yard gives you a great view of the pine trees, Gwanghwamun Gate, and Bugaksan Mountain, all lined up with the paved ground of the square, a really cool photo spot.

Statue of King Sejeong

King Sejong the Great was the fourth and one of the most respected kings of the Joseon Dynasty. He’s best known for creating Hangeul, Korea’s alphabet, making reading and writing easier for everyone. His statue here is a symbol of wisdom and leadership.

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin

Admiral Yi Sun-sin was a legendary naval commander famous for his victories against the Japanese navy during the wars from 1592 to 1598. He’s a national hero in Korea, known for his courage and brilliant battle strategies. His statue stands proudly in the square, showing his strong spirit.

Annual events and festivals

Seoul Light Gwanghwamun

Every winter, Gwanghwamun Square turns into a huge open-air gallery with colorful light shows and giant media art displays. Buildings around the square get covered with amazing projections, and there are often light sculptures you can walk around and take photos with. It usually runs through December into early January, so it’s a perfect spot if you’re looking for that magical winter vibe in Seoul.

Seoul Lantern Festival

• How to get there: The festival is easily accessible by foot from several major subway stations. Located just 2 minutes away on foot is Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 5) or City Hall Station (Exit 4), just a 6-minute walk away.
• Location: Along Cheonggyecheon Stream, Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggye Square, and Seoul Square
• Admission Fee: Free
• Host and Supervisor: Seoul Tourism Organization
• Website: stolantern

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The Seoul Lantern Festival is held every year in December and lasts for over a month, lighting up the city with beautiful lantern displays. You’ll find everything from traditional lanterns to modern LED ones, all along Cheonggyecheon Stream. The festival is extra special with the addition of the Gwanghwamun Square Market, where you can shop, grab a bite, and really soak in the festive atmosphere.

You May Also Love: Cheonggyecheon Stream 청계천: How To Enjoy It Best

Gwanghwamun Christmas Market

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Also in December, the square hosts a super cozy Christmas market filled with little stalls selling handmade gifts, festive decorations, and winter snacks like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and roasted chestnuts.

There’s usually live music too, so it’s a great place to grab a hot drink, enjoy the lights, and do some holiday shopping.

Yeon Deung Hoe (Seoul Lotus Lantern Festival)

This beautiful festival happens in May to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. Thousands of colorful lanterns light up the city, and while the main parade goes through Jongno, the festive mood definitely spreads to Gwanghwamun Square. You might catch performances, small lantern displays, or special cultural events around the square during the festival weekend. It’s one of the prettiest times of the year to visit!

What to Do Around Gwanghwamun Square

Gyeongbokgung Palace

• 📍 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161
• 🚆 Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5
• 🕒 January-February, November-December 09:00-17:00 | March-May, September-October 10:00-18:00 | June-August 09:00-18:30 | Last admission 1 hour before close | Closed on Tuesdays
• 🌐 https://www.royalpalace.go.kr
• ☎️ +82 2-3700-3900

Right next to the square, Gyeongbokgung is the biggest and most famous palace in Seoul. You can watch the changing of the guard ceremony, rent a hanbok (traditional Korean outfit) for free palace entry, and take tons of beautiful photos with the grand gates and old buildings.

Insadong Street

• 📍62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 62🚆 Subway Line 3, Anguk Station, Exit 6
• 🕒 24/7
• 🌐 www.hiinsa.com
• ☎️ +82-2-734-0222

Just a 10-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Square, Insadong is a must-visit for traditional Korean vibes. It’s packed with tea houses, antique shops, art galleries, and street food. It’s the best place to pick up souvenirs like calligraphy brushes or cute handmade crafts.

Ikseondong

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Hidden right near Insadong, Ikseondong is a super trendy area where traditional hanok houses have been turned into stylish cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s a mix of old and new that’s perfect for slow exploring and Instagram photos!.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

• 📍 1 Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 태평로1가 1
• 🚆 Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 5
• 🕒 Open 24 hours
• ₩ Free entrance
• 🌐 www.sisul.or.kr
• ☎️ +82-2-2290-7111

A few minutes’ walk from the square, this peaceful stream runs right through the middle of the city. You can take a relaxing stroll along the water, especially beautiful in the evening when the lights reflect on the water.

Deoksugung Palace

• 📍 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 99 | 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
• 🚆 City Hall Station Line 1 Exit 2, or Line 2 Exit 12
• 🕒 09:00 – 21:00 | Last admission 1 hour before closing | Closed every Monday
• ₩ Adult (19 – 64): ₩1,000 ($0.7) / Group over 10 people: ₩800 ($0.6) | Free entrance for under 19 or over 65, people wearing Hanbok.
• 🌐 https://www.deoksugung.go.kr
• ☎️ +82 2-771-9951

A smaller palace near City Hall with a charming mix of Korean and European architecture. The stone wall road outside the palace is especially famous — it’s a romantic place for a walk, especially in autumn when the leaves turn golden. Read our details guide here.

Gwangjang Market

• 📍 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88
• 🚆 Subway Line 1 Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 8 | Subway Line 2, Line 5 Euljiro 4-ga Station Exit 4 100m
• 🕒 Market Open: from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed Sunday) | Vintage Shop Open: from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (closed Sunday) | Food Alley 09:00 – 23:00 KST (Never closed)

• 🌐 www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr
• ☎️ 02-2267-0291

If you’re a foodie, don’t miss Gwangjang Market! It’s one of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul, famous for street foods like bindaetteok (crispy mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (tiny, addictive rice rolls). It’s lively, a little chaotic, but full of energy and flavor.

For more exciting places and activities in Korea, visit our website, iVisitKorea – your ultimate Korea travel guide!

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• Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁: All you need to know
• Gwangjang Market Guide (광장시장): A Foodie’s Paradise