From Transportation to Installation, Project Cost Set at 4 Billion Won
Difficulties in Stone Donations from Some Countries... "Install First, Replace Later" Approach
Structures to Stand 6.25 Meters Tall, Symbolizing the Korean War
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is beginning installation work on "Lights of Gratitude 22," to be created at Gwanghwamun Square using stone donated by the countries that participated in the Korean War. Although the basic design was completed in May, the completion date is expected to be delayed because discussions on stone donations have not been finalized with some countries. Eight out of the 22 participating countries have expressed their intention to donate stone.
According to the maintenance industry on July 9, the Seoul Metropolitan Government recently began the process of selecting a company to handle not only the transportation and storage of overseas stone but also the production and installation of the light pillar sculptures at Gwanghwamun Square.
The aboveground part of the 'Garden of Gratitude' to be created at Gwanghwamun Square by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government
Currently, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is working to create the "Garden of Gratitude," a symbolic space at Gwanghwamun Square to express gratitude and respect to the countries that participated in the Korean War. To commemorate the sacrifices of the 22 participating countries, the project includes the installation of black granite dolbo and a glass bridge, as well as "Lights of Gratitude 22," which will become 22 pillars of light at night.
The stone will be sourced from the 22 participating countries. The dolbo will be based on the same type of stone, but will be designed to allow the donated stone to be replaced, so that up to four pieces of stone can be mounted. Even after completion, if a donated stone from a country arrives, it can be swapped in. Initially, only 22 dolbo were planned, but an additional dolbo symbolizing the Republic of Korea will be added, bringing the total to 23. The height of the sculpture has been tentatively set at 6.25 meters, reflecting the significance of the Korean War. On the sides of the sculptures, inscriptions in the native languages of each participating country will be engraved.
However, it is reported that some countries are facing difficulties in donating stone. Mayor Oh Se-hoon personally invited members of the diplomatic corps from participating countries in Korea and held a briefing session on the Garden of Gratitude project, but issues were raised regarding the selection and transportation of stone, and some countries reportedly expressed reluctance to donate at all.
Of the total 22 countries?16 combat support countries and 6 medical support countries?Sweden, India, Greece, Belgium, Norway, Germany, Australia, and Luxembourg have expressed their intention to donate stone. The symbolic sculptures to be sent by these countries will be standardized using Indian Steel Gray stone.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to prioritize the construction of the exterior, as the stone can be replaced even after the installation of the sculptures. Mayor Oh also explained, "It may be difficult for all 22 countries to act in perfect unison, and there may be a shortage of stone, but it is technically possible to use marker stones or partial stone pieces." Taking this into account, the city has set the construction period to run until the end of next year.
In addition to "Lights of Gratitude 22," the city is also accelerating overall maintenance work at Gwanghwamun Square. The "Garden of Gratitude" will consist of two spaces: aboveground and underground. "Lights of Gratitude 22" will be located aboveground, while a media wall displaying videos and images of scenes from the 22 countries will be installed underground. The city is also considering a plan to embed smart glass in the aboveground glass bridge so that when viewed from below, it functions as a large media screen.
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