Gate Gwanghwamun

Why Gate Gwanghwamun is special ?

Gwanghwamun (Hangul: 광화문; hanja: 光化門) is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is located at a three-way intersection at the northern end of Sejongno. As a landmark and symbol of Seoul's long history as the capital city during the Joseon Dynasty, the gate has gone through multiple periods of destruction and disrepair. Restoration work on the gate was finished and it was opened to the public on August 15, 2010.

Gwanghwamun was first constructed in 1395 as the main gate to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main and most important royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty. During the 1592 Japanese invasion, it was destroyed by fire and left in ruins for over 250 years.

Concrete Gwanghwamun with the Japanese Governor General Building, which stood until 1996.

Gwanghwamun was reconstructed in 1867 along with the rest of Gyeongbokgung Palace by the order of regent Daewongun during the reign of Emperor Gojong. The gate stood until 1926, when the Japanese government had it deconstructed and moved it just to the southeast of the current location of the National Folk Museum of Korea to make way for the massive Japanese Governor General Building.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org

What to explore at Gate Gwanghwamun?

Visiting Gwanghwamun Gate, you can see the spectacular view of this gate. On either side of the gate you can see "Haetae", looking southward. Haetae is a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire. According to Pungsujirisang, there was fire element around Gwanaksan Mountain, so in order to protect the palace from fire from the mountain, these fire-eating Haetaes was put beside the gate.

If you want to learn truly about this historic place, you should buy admission ticket to enter Gyeongbokgung Palace which you will see after going through this gate. It is the great destination when you visit Seoul.

How to get to Gate Gwanghwamun?

Subway

1) City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 & 2), Exit 3.

2) Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6 & 7.

3) Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 1, 2 & 8.

Connected to the underground exit.

Bus

Red Bus: 5500-2, 9602, 9706, 9708, 9713

Blue Bus: 103, 150, 401, 402, 406, 408, 607,704

Green Bus: 0212, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, 8000

Village Bus: Jongno 09, Jongno 11

Source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr