The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 3rd that it will create a 'Garden of Gratitude' in Gwanghwamun Square to express appreciation and respect for the allied countries that helped Korea during the Korean War.
First, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will create a symbolic sculpture that allows people to remember the gratitude towards allied countries that enabled Korea's existence in their daily lives. The sculpture will be primarily based on 22 pieces of black granite stone. The stones will be sourced from a total of 22 countries, including 16 countries that provided military support during the Korean War and 6 countries that provided medical and humanitarian assistance.
On the ground, 22 sculptures titled 'The Light of Gratitude 22' will be installed, ranging in height from 5.7 meters to 7 meters. Mayor Oh Se-hoon unveiled the design competition-winning sculpture 'The Light of Gratitude 22' along with the plan for the Garden of Gratitude.
Mayor Oh said, 'By creating sculptures using the stones sent from the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War, and utilizing various media techniques, we will express the gratitude that has built the Republic of Korea, while sublimating the sacrifices of the past and gratitude for the future into significant sculptures.'
The underground area will be designed as a space for gratitude that communicates in real-time with the participating countries. It will feature a media wall where visitors can view local scenes from the 22 countries through videos and images, and will also be capable of displaying flags of ally countries, including the South Korean flag.
Visitors to the Garden of Gratitude will be able to walk over a glass bridge between the ground sculptures and enter Sejongno Park. The glass bridge will incorporate smart glass, serving as a media screen when viewed from below.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government also revealed plans for the development of Sejongno Park through comprehensive maintenance on the same day.
Sejongno Park will cover a total area of 8,768 square meters, comprising 1 floor above ground and 2 floors below ground. It will include rest and dining facilities, as well as multipurpose spaces. The multipurpose space being developed underground will be designed for direct consolidation with Gwanghwamun Station, the KT Building, and the underground of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.
A Seoul city official noted, 'We expect that by expanding underground, we will overcome the limitations of outdoor squares that have been difficult to use during extreme hot and cold weather, elevating Gwanghwamun Square into a four-season enjoyment destination.'
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to develop Sejongno Park as a local attraction, aiming to attract 30 million visitors annually.
Mayor Oh stated, 'Without the help of allied countries during the Korean War, the freedom, democracy, and prosperity of the Republic of Korea would not have been possible,' adding, 'We will create a Garden of Gratitude in Gwanghwamun Square, which fully embodies the identity of Korea and its people, to convey a touching experience to the people of the world who visit here.'