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Some fear site might become new venue for anti-government protests
August 01, 2009
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| After 15 months of construction, Gwanghwanmun Plaza will open to the public at noon today. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said yesterday it will host various events to celebrate the completion of the plaza that reflects the 600-year history of the capital city. In the middle of Sejongno, or Sejong Boulevard, the plaze will give Seoulites another premier gathering place in addition to Seoul and Cheonggye plazas. “Gwanghwamun Plaza will become a must-see place for Seoul residents, but it will also serve as major attraction site for foreigners,” Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said in an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo. “This is a national historical landmark which carries the story of the country’s most respected figures - Admiral Yi Sun-shin and King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty.” A ceremony to celebrate the opening of the plaza will take place at 8 p.m. Over 1,500 dignitaries have been invited to attend. The landmark plaza measures 557 by 34 meters. It has fountains near the statue of Admiral Yi portraying his naval battles. There are also two waterways with 617 stone plates commemorating major historic events from 1392 to 2008. There will be an underground walkway leading to to Haechi Madang, which connects to Gwanghwamun Station on line No. 5. The plaza has a garden with 224,537 flowers, with each flower representing the total days since Oct. 28, 1394 when the Joseon Dynasty moved the capital to Seoul. Meanwhile, some voiced concerns. “I still don’t understand why the city government poured money into building what they call a historic landmark by reducing the number of lanes open to cars... It slowed traffic and it’s obvious that it will serve as another staging ground for protests,” said Moon Mun-hong, a taxi driver. By Lim Ju-ree, Kim Mi-ju [mijukim@joongang.co.kr] |
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