This study provides an in-depth analysis of the changes in usage of Gwanghwamun Square, one of Korea's representative public squares, from its initial creation to its redevelopment. Gwanghwamun Square has a significant historical background, serving a...
This study provides an in-depth analysis of the changes in usage of Gwanghwamun Square, one of Korea's representative public squares, from its initial creation to its redevelopment. Gwanghwamun Square has a significant historical background, serving as a multipurpose space leading to Yukjo Street and Gyeongbokgung Palace during the Joseon Dynasty. In modern times, Sejong-daero, where the square is located, functioned as a central location for Korea's first candlelight protests and World Cup street cheering. After the square's creation, it hosted various large-scale public events, including Pope Francis's beatification mass, candlelight protests, and the 70th anniversary of Liberation Day. Thus, Gwanghwamun Square is recognized by citizens as a historical and symbolic national square.
Gwanghwamun Square was first established in 2009 and redeveloped in 2022. This study explores the changes in the use of Gwanghwamun Square through news articles from 2009 to 2023. The 14-year period is divided into four sections: Section A (2009-2013), Section B (2014-2017), Section C (2018-2020), and Section D (2021-2023).
In Section A, Gwanghwamun Square was perceived by citizens as a national square with historical significance. Large programs were primarily run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, but the square's structural limitations, such as a lack of convenience facilities, made everyday use challenging. It was also seen as a space for raising voices on social issues and conflicts through short-term political functions. In Section B, long-term political functions were prominent due to events like the Sewol Ferry disaster and candlelight protests calling for the resignation of former President Park Geun-hye, which limited non-political use. Prolonged political functions restricted non-political activities and everyday use of the square. Section C saw repeated illegal protests and rallies by specific conservative groups, causing significant fatigue among citizens. Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Cultural Heritage Administration announced a new basic plan for the redevelopment of Gwanghwamun Square in April 2018, which included the closure of parts of Sejong-daero and an expansion towards Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Discussions on the redevelopment of Gwanghwamun Square were actively conducted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. These changes in spatial structure highlighted the evolving use of Gwanghwamun Square. In Section D, with the newly redeveloped Gwanghwamun Square operational, changes in spatial structure, ordinance revisions, and system enhancements increased non-political use. The redeveloped square, opened in August 2022, expanded its space by 2.1 times, closed part of Sejong-daero, and improved accessibility and green spaces. Convenience facilities and cultural spaces were introduced, allowing citizens to use the square freely for everyday activities. After the redevelopment, various non-political programs hosted not only by the Seoul Metropolitan Government but also by other organizations were actively conducted. Particularly, the 'Gwanghwamun Square Advisory Group' carefully managed political functions and encouraged non-political uses. These changes contributed to transforming Gwanghwamun Square into a space where everyday use and occasional non-everyday use coexist.
This study examines the major usage changes in Gwanghwamun Square from its initial creation to its redevelopment through the analysis of newspaper articles. It was commonly recognized as a national square with historical significance. In Sections A, B, and C, political functions were the primary use, highlighting the square's role as a space where the public and media pay attention to social injustices and issues. However, prolonged political performances led to negative public reactions. The use of non-political functions showed distinct changes between Sections A and D. In Section A, large programs led by the Seoul Metropolitan Government dominated, restricting everyday use by citizens. In contrast, Section D saw a restructured space where everyday and non-everyday uses could coexist, leading to active programs and events. These changes were influenced by the restructuring of the space, ordinance revisions, and system enhancements, contributing to the activation of non-political functions.
This study aims to provide insights into the positive and negative responses and limitations of the operation and use of Gwanghwamun Square, a historical and symbolic public space, by analyzing its usage changes over time. However, with the reduction of political functions after the redevelopment, a negative aspect emerged with these functions shifting to Seoul Station Square. The redeveloped Gwanghwamun Square offers a positive and free everyday space for citizens, but the negative impacts of institutional control should also be considered. The results of this study are expected to provide important insights for the future operational direction of Gwanghwamun Square as a public space for citizens.