Oh Se-hoon "Minimum 40 Billion Won for Gwanghwamun Square Restoration... Restructuring Continues" (Summary)

Concerns Over Exhaustive Debates on Restoration and Full Reexamination... Prompt Completion by Enhancing Historicity and Completeness
Restoration of Gyeongbokgung Woldae and Yukjo Street Traces

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced on the 27th that the Gwanghwamun Square restructuring project will proceed, but the current plan will be supplemented and improved to enhance its completeness. On the same day, Mayor Oh held a briefing at City Hall, stating, "We will respect administrative continuity as much as possible," and added, "It is the responsibility of the Mayor of Seoul to minimize problems and address shortcomings." The three major areas for improvement in the Gwanghwamun Square development project include strengthening historicity such as the restoration of the Woldae platform, utilizing statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong, and linking with surrounding sites and buildings. The photo shows the view of Gwanghwamun Square from the Press Center. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is making a statement on the creation of Gwanghwamun Square at the city hall briefing room on the 27th. Mayor Oh announced his intention to proceed with the construction of Gwanghwamun Square as planned. He explained that since a significant portion of the construction has already been completed, reverting the project to its original state could result in a loss of 40 billion won in budget. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 27th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon decided to modify and supplement the controversial Gwanghwamun Square restructuring project instead of stopping or scrapping it. Mayor Oh considered options such as restoring the original state or a complete review, but decided to continue the project due to concerns over at least 40 billion KRW in sunk costs and inconvenience to citizens.

Mayor Oh held an urgent online briefing that morning and said, "After thorough review and discussion, Seoul City has concluded to proceed with the construction of Gwanghwamun Square while supplementing and improving the current plan to enhance its completeness."

The restructuring of Gwanghwamun Square was initiated during the tenure of former Mayor Park Won-soon and construction began last November under Acting Mayor Seo Jeong-hyeop. At that time, environmental and civic groups urged a halt, calling it a rushed project, and these demands were conveyed to Mayor Oh even after his inauguration. Before running for mayor, Oh criticized, saying, "I want to ask who this construction is really for, especially when life has become so difficult due to COVID-19," and added, "It is merely the architect's stubbornness that the square should be on one side rather than in the center." However, the Seoul Metropolitan Council, dominated by the Democratic Party of Korea, has maintained opposition to halting the construction, arguing it would waste taxpayers' money and cause confusion. Of the total 80 billion KRW budget, 31% progress has been made as of this date, with 25 billion KRW spent.

Mayor Oh has taken a cautious approach since his inauguration. At the press conference, he said, "In the case of restoring the original state, at least 40 billion KRW in sunk costs would be incurred, including restoration expenses, and re-discussion with related agencies would be necessary." He added, "A complete review would cause prolonged inconvenience to citizens due to limited use of the square and could lead to more exhausting debates and conflicts."

Instead of stopping the construction, Mayor Oh said he would supplement three major areas: ▲strengthening historicity ▲storytelling ▲coexistence strategies. He pledged to restore the Woldae (royal dais) in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was damaged during the Japanese colonial period, revive traces of Yukjo Street, and actively consider future-oriented plans for cultural heritage preservation and utilization.

He also stated that major spaces in Gwanghwamun Square, such as the statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong, water channels, and fountains, which have been beloved by citizens, will be thoughtfully improved and developed to become even more cherished spaces. Symbolic structures highlighting King Sejong’s benevolent philosophy will be created, and historical facts such as Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s 12 warships and 23 victories will be represented in fountain form. Plans will be made to connect public sites like Uijeongbu site and Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, as well as private buildings like the KT building, with the square.

Mayor Oh said, "Rather than continuing exhausting debates and conflicts, I ask for the understanding and cooperation of all citizens to help Gwanghwamun Square be reborn." He added, "The supplementary and development plan for Gwanghwamun Square will be disclosed to citizens as soon as it is finalized." Due to Mayor Oh’s decision, the completion of the restructuring is expected to be delayed by about one to two months from the original schedule of October this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.