SEOUL, July 19 (Korea Bizwire) — The two landmark statues in Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul will be cleaned for the first time in more than two years as the city government plans to reopen the square this month following the completion of its remodeling.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it will clean the statues of King Sejong, the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and Joseon era Navy Adm. Yi Sun-sin between July 18 and 29 for the first time since April 2020.
The city had been cleaning the statues every April with high-pressure cleaning machines before it stopped last year after construction work began on the new square.
This year, the cleaning process will involve not only high-pressure cleaning machines but also other cleaning solutions.
In consideration of the views put forth by the sculptor of the statues, an alkaline detergent will be used to retain as much rust, while wiping out polluted substances.
The sculptures’ stereobates will also be cleaned with acid and alkaline detergents to clean off polluted areas and apply specially-designed protective solutions.
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
