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Gwanghamun Square is not really an attraction in itself in my eyes, it is a big open square in front of Gwanghamun Palace hence it is hard to miss and as the palace is a must visit for any tourist in Seoul chances are you pass by this square anyway. There are two large statues, good for a picture, and to the left and right office buildings and the American Embassy. From there anything in Gangbuk can be easily reached, City Hall is just down the road so in Cheonggyecheon and many other sights. Just one thing to keep in mind is that this square is also often used for demonstrations, all peaceful of course, but when seeing lots of police and masses of people you know what is going on.…
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Date of experience: June 2020
1 Helpful vote
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One of the most popular touristic spots in Seoul. Good to visit. - The best time to visit is when it has the least protest. - The cascaded water path having the tree of Korean kings on the ground is impressive.
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Date of experience: May 2020
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Square is amazing, super beautiful and well worth the stop. I would highly recommend avoiding on Saturday due to protests, it does not make it in passable but more difficult to traverse.
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Date of experience: January 2020
2 Helpful votes
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If I am reviewing the square itself then I would say it's a concrete slab of open space surrounded by streets and buildings on all four sides. It's not as large as the one in Beijing but is still quite impressive in its hugeness. Yes, there are a couple of impressive statues of long departed men that are good for a photo op but other than that there is nothing to do here. However, come on a weekend when one of many public protests occur and now we have something to talk about. When I visited there was a massive (think 10000 people or more) protest against the sitting government and calling for increased solidarity with the US. Without getting political, I found the energy, excitement and noise to be quite contagious and tbh, deafening. This is where the square comes alive... speeches, music, flag waving, videos, marches, chants, police, pamphlets, angry people, happy people, confused people. And I guess it is the square with its openness and inviting stance that enpowers its citizenry to gather and demand change in one collective voice. Therein lies the purpose of a square... I guess.…
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Date of experience: November 2019
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Just down from the two large palaces you will find this quite interesting square in the center of the road containing a statue of King Joseon (sitting) and Admiral Yi Sun Shin on a Pedestal.The square also has some interesting potted trees.The Admiral was famous for his battles with the Japanese during their invasion in the 16th Century, at the time Josoen was on the throne.…
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Date of experience: September 2019
1 Helpful vote
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