New Gwanghwamun Square
Seoul, Korea
The Mountainous Square:
A Square Linked to the Mountain Spirit
The new image of New Gwanghwamun Square is a continuation of the past, respecting the mountain as a source of nature and life. This vision aims to overcome the current spatial and functional limits of the square—transforming it into a place of reflection and a vision for the future. More than just a public space, it generates and activates the life of people and the city. By placing nature and people at the core foundation, the square becomes a living ground that reconnects the spirit of the mountain with the dynamic expression of modern society.
Project Information ↘︎
Client & Developer
Seoul Metropolitan Government
Status
Vision
Year
2019
Award
- IFLA ASIA-PAC International Federation of Landscape Architect 2017
- World Architecture Festival X 2018
Design Director
Yossapon Boonsom
Prapan Napawongdee
Landscape Architect
Katavet Sittikit
Rattanin Peewsook
Nattapreewa Worawicharwong
Supanuch Krairavee
Chanasorn Sornsukolrat
Phakarat Leesakulthip
Ginsupa Tantiprasong
Naruephon Nateprachar
Sorat Sitthidumrong
Nontachai Pianchob
Sumonpan Kong-u-thaikul
Horticulturist
Supaluk Paorik
Panita Onsaeng
Graphic Designer
Thanaphum Tongprasert
The purpose of the design competition is selecting the best design team based on innovative ideas and design proposal in order to overcome the current spatial and functional limits of Gwanghwamun Square in the middle of Sejong-daero and to restore historical and cultural symbolism of Gwanghwamun area.
Mountain is the ‘Soul’ of ‘Korea’
Mountainous scape forms the backbone for Korean Peninsula. It is the source of life, source of nature, source of water, place for refuge and escape of mind, a unified landscape that unite Korean people.
Mountainous Axis
Based on Confucius philosophy, four surrounding mountains in North, East, South, West directions were used as reference point to lay the main axis for Seoul city. Since then, the mountain has become the ‘Soul’ of ‘Seoul’, witnessing the transformation of the city for many decades.
Gwanghwamun ’s Evolution
The heart of city’s axis was the main street in front of the palace where everyday life happen. Through the years, the street evolves to cope with the force of new developments of each era, from Dynasty period to Democracy period and become Gwanghwamun Square today. The evolution of Gwanghwamun Square is not only reflecting people’s life at that particular time but also the value and soul of Seoul during that time, too.
Revive the ‘Soul’ of ‘Seoul’
With the rapid urban transformation, the square has been deteriorated. Nature has been degraded.
People’s life has been lost. Connection to other part of the city has been blocked and important value of the city nation becomes blur. It’s time to revitalize the square and revive the spirit ‘Soul’ of ‘Seoul’ by aligning the city back to the power and reference of mountain once again.
