Erecting a 100m Taegeukgi Flag in Gwanghwamun... Oh Se-hoon: "As a National Symbolic Space"

Space Honoring the Sacrifice and Dedication of 6·25 War Veterans
Flagpole Combining Light Pillars and Media Facade
'Unextinguishable Flame' to Commemorate National Heroes
Sejongno Park Reborn as a 'Leisure Space'

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will install a large-scale structure with a 100-meter-high Taegeukgi flag and an 'Unextinguishable Flame' to commemorate national heroes at Gwanghwamun Square. This is to honor the noble sacrifice and dedication of veterans on the occasion of the Korean War (6.25), and it is also part of the 'National Symbol Space' creation project carried out at the pan-government level.

On the 25th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon held a meeting with veterans who participated in the Incheon Landing Operation and the September 28 Seoul Liberation to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Korean War. He said, "Thanks to the noble sacrifice and dedication of the Korean War veterans, today's Republic of Korea can enjoy freedom and peace," and added, "To remember and honor that noble spirit, we plan to establish a national symbol structure and an unextinguishable flame at Gwanghwamun Square, creating a national symbol space where all Korean citizens can feel pride."

A bird's-eye view of the national symbolic space being created around Gwanghwamun Square. [Photo provided by Seoul City]

The 'National Symbol Space' is a place that expresses national identity and embodies new era values by utilizing major historical and cultural assets of the city. The reason Seoul selected Gwanghwamun Square as the site for the 'National Symbol Structure' is because it is a historical location centered around Gyeongbokgung Palace and a global cultural and artistic hub where people from around the world gather. A Seoul city official explained, "It is a place that embodies history, culture, and contemporary values, like the Washington Monument in the National Mall of Washington DC, the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-?lys?es in Paris, and the Spire on O'Connell Street in Dublin."

First, a 'large-scale structure' with a 100-meter-high Taegeukgi flag will be erected at Gwanghwamun Square. The Taegeukgi, which has been with the Korean people and history through the March 1st Movement, the liberation of Seoul, the June Democratic Uprising in 1987, and has played a role in uniting the people during events like the World Cup and the Olympics, will be at the center. In particular, this structure will not be a simple flagpole but a work that combines artistic value and cutting-edge technology. For example, during national events, it will be designed with light pillars visible from a distance, a media facade (about 15 meters), and a media floor.

In front of the large structure, the second symbol, the 'Unextinguishable Flame,' will be installed. Using fire as a symbol of memory and remembrance, it will be a space where people can honor and commemorate national heroes in their daily lives. Additionally, Sejongno Park next to the National Symbol Space site will be reborn as an 'urban citizen leisure space' for the first time in about 30 years. It will be developed as an integrated green space naturally connected to Gwanghwamun Square, and a unique hub-type convenience facility will be provided around the square to offer distinctive content.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to conduct an integrated design competition from August to November to ensure that the National Symbol Space, the structures within Gwanghwamun Square, and Sejongno Park express harmony and symbolism simultaneously. After completing the basic and detailed designs by April 2025, construction will begin in May. The National Symbol Space will be completed by February 2026, and Sejongno Park by November 2026.

Mayor Oh said, "As we newly create the National Symbol Space at Gwanghwamun Square, which represents the Republic of Korea, we will devote ourselves to making it a space loved and cherished by not only Seoul citizens but all Koreans." He added, "We will also carefully manage veterans-related policies so that those who dedicated themselves to the country can live with pride."

A bird's-eye view of the national symbolic space being created around Gwanghwamun Square. [Photo provided by Seoul City]