Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)

Address

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

Type

Palaces/ Fortresses/ Gates

Inquiries

• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

• For more info: +82-2-3700-3904~5,
+82-2-738-9171

Homepage

www.royalpalace.go.kr
(Korean, English)

Introduction

Founded in 1395 by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung Palace. Roughly
meaning “may the light of enlightenment blanket the world,” the name symbolizes the resounding dedication that
the people of the Joseon Dynasty had in creating a new dynasty. Constructed solely out of granite, its center is an entrance that resembles a rainbow, called Hongyemun. Above that is a gate tower.



Gwanghwamun holds a painful memory in Korean history. During the Japanese occupation of Korea,
in order to dampen the spirits of the Korean citizens, the Japanese governing general
destroyed the gate and built his own government building. The present appearance of the gate is that of 1968 when it was rebuilt using concrete, and it’s
location is about 10m behind the original spot. Though Gwanghwamun is the most beautiful of the five palace gates, it was not designated by the Korean government as a national treasure because it is made purely of concrete. The government is now in the process of removing
the Japanese building and restoring the palace.



Gwanghwamun has its name written on a sign on the gate, and it was personally written by then-president Park Jeong-Hui. On either side of the gate you can see
the word “Haetae” facing south. Haetae is a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire. According to Pungsujirisang, there was a fire around Gwanaksan Mountain, so in order to protect the palace from fire from the mountain, these fire-eating Haetaes were put beside the gate.

Telephone

+82-2-3700-3904~5, +82-2-738-9171


Admission Fees

* Gwanghwamun Gate is free of charge.


* Gyeongbokgung Palace

   - Adults 3,000 won / 2,400 won (for more than 10 people)
   - Teenagers
1,500 won / 2,000 won (for more than 10
people)


Restrooms

Available

Facilities for the Handicapped

*Wheelchair rentals available