Jongno District Chief Jeong Moonheon:
“A Ceremony to Announce the Birth of Gwanghwamun Square”
Gwanghwamun is set to transform from the heart of Korean history and culture into a global media landmark. Jongno District Office (headed by Chung Moonheon) announced on September 2 that it will host the 'K Festa - Gwanghwamun Square Opening Ceremony' at 7 p.m. on September 5 at the Nori Madang in front of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Gwanghwamun Square.
This event marks the official launch of the Gwanghwamun Square project and will be designed as an innovative space where both citizens and tourists can simultaneously experience cutting-edge digital technology and Korean culture.
The highlight of the ceremony will be the lighting event, where citizens and distinguished guests will complete a countdown, illuminating large LED displays such as the one on the KT WEST Building. The media wall video, produced by Jongno District Office, KT, Seoul Metropolitan Government, and the Cultural Heritage Administration, will also be unveiled for the first time. Various performance teams, including the traditional percussion group Cheong Eum, the electronic string group Dione, and popular singer Zion.T, will take the stage.
The Gwanghwamun Square project, designated as the second phase of the Outdoor Advertising Free Display Zone by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, will be carried out from January 2024 to December 2033, covering approximately 221,815 square meters around Gwanghwamun Square and Sejong-daero. The core objective is to transform Gwanghwamun Square into a 'Plaza of Light' that introduces Korea's history and traditions to the world.
Advanced advertising media, media walls, and media poles will be installed on nine buildings, including the KT WEST Building, Kyobo Life Building, Dong-A Ilbo Building, Ilmin Museum of Art, and Koreana Hotel, to provide visual attractions and revitalize the local business district.
Led by the Public-Private Joint Council, a public contribution fund will be established to produce and broadcast public interest content, as well as to promote various media festivals and the creation of a media art street.
Jongno District Mayor Chung Moonheon stated, "This event is a meaningful occasion to announce the birth of Gwanghwamun Square, which will surpass New York's Times Square," adding, "I ask for your continued interest in Gwanghwamun Square, Korea's new landmark where Korean culture and cutting-edge technology come together."
A commemorative photo taken after the regular meeting of the Public-Private Joint Council for the Outdoor Advertising Free Display Zone at Gwanghwamun Square held last June. Provided by Jongno District Office.
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