With more tourists visiting Seoul, the number of visitors to Gwanghwamun Square has nearly doubled from last year.
According to Seoul's real-time urban data statistics on the 24th, the number of visitors to Gwanghwamun Square over the 11 days from the 13th to the 23rd of this month totaled 1,347,350, up 1.9 times from the same period a year earlier (710,750).
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Gwanghwamun Square has gained global recognition amid the spread of K-culture thanks to the Netflix animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" and BTS's Gwanghwamun comeback concert, and that unique events held around the square have also drawn more visitors.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Gwanghwamun Square has gained global recognition thanks to the Netflix animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" and BTS's Gwanghwamun comeback concert, and that visitors have increased as various unique events are held around the square. It added that the weekly Friday-to-Sunday "Gwanghwamun Book Yard," the "media facade" around the square, and the "Garden of Gratitude," which opened on the 12th, are also drawing tourists.
Accordingly, the Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to expand "Light of Gratitude 23," which beams lights into the sky in the evening at the "Garden of Gratitude," from the previous operation of 10-minute shows every 30 minutes to continuous illumination every day from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Kim Chang-gyu, head of the Balanced Development Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "Gwanghwamun Square is selected every year as a landmark of Seoul by citizens and foreigners, making it the city's undisputed symbol and heart," adding, "For citizens, we will develop it as a space of pride and relaxation, and for foreigners, as a space that connects Seoul with the world and conveys the values of freedom and peace."