Gwanghwamun Plaza has been mocked in the past as little more than a large median strip over its awkward size that makes calling it a ‘plaza’ a bit of a stretch.(Image: Seoul Metropolitan Government)
SEOUL, April 11 (Korea Bizwire) — Gwanghwamun Plaza, the landmark square facing Gyeongbokgung Palace at the heart of Seoul, is due for a significant expansion under a new urban development project.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Cultural Heritage Administration unveiled plans for the new square on Tuesday, which will see the current Gwanghwamun Plaza grow significantly larger with the elimination of four of the 10 vehicle lanes to connect the square with the street where the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is situated.
Gwanghwamun Plaza, the landmark square facing Gyeongbokgung Palace at the heart of Seoul, is due for a significant expansion under a new urban development project. (Image: Seoul Metropolitan Government)
The new project will restore the historical value of the area and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, according to the two government branches.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Cultural Heritage Administration unveiled plans for the new square on Tuesday, which will see the current Gwanghwamun Plaza grow significantly larger with the elimination of four of the 10 vehicle lanes to connect the square with the street where the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is situated. (Image: Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Gwanghwamun Plaza has been mocked in the past as little more than a large median strip over its awkward size that makes calling it a ‘plaza’ a bit of a stretch.
The budget for the new project is expected to be nearly 100 billion won, with work scheduled to begin in 2020 and wrap up by May 2021.
Hyunsu Yim (hyunsu@koreabizwire.com)
