Location: Seoul, South Korea

Year: 2018

Site Area: 126,100 sqm

GFA: 15,000 sqm

Inspired by the two axes – “Gwanghwamun Axis” and “City Axis”, we articulate new axial corridors that provide reinforced view vistas (narrowing vs. widening) towards Gwanghwamun and the two Statues. Re-interpreted spatial boundary cut in half the plaza into two distinctive zones – a “Soft Plaza” and a “Hard Plaza”. The transitional space forms giant “Axial Steps” which also defines the public realm into an upper and lower plaza. Monument and feature space are integrated into a rationalized plaza configuration.

Steps of Ascension brings visitors up to History Plaza in front of the restored Woldae and Haechi Statues from below-ground, surrounded by a gentle reflection pool and quiet water cascades. Steps of Ascension, the sunken steps, act as a transitional space between the past, the present and the future. When stepping up into the plaza, the framed view of Gwanghwamun is the best testimonial statement of its status and importance to the city.

The new design of Gwanghwamun Plaza integrates above-ground and below-ground into a relational groundscape, with clearly defined axial corridors that provide acess and view vistas. The materiality of the History Plaza takes into account of the historic presence of Sejongdaero that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. Historic stone pavers form the central aisle leading to Gwanghwamun, while pounded soil cement are also used. Linking Gwanghwamun from the north to the intersection at the south, is a below-ground pedestrian spine providing a themed walking experience for all visitors.

Naval Hall of Yi Sun-Sin, one of the feature spaces within historic walk, pays tribute to the famous general from below. The sunken plaza reminiscent of a turtle-ship, translates his former glory into a new representation of space. The waterfall cascading down from both sides creates loud and turbulent sounds of water, symbolizing the turbulent history associated with the General, Imjing War and those historic battles.

Palace Plaza of Sejong the Great is an underground interchange plaza that connects both north-south and east-west directions. The skylight opening allows magnificent view towards Sejong the Great Statue from below, and beneath it is an otherworldly palace that combines a Winter Garden, Sejong Exhibition Hall, and Tourist Information Center. The openings allow natural sunlight to cast down and enhance pedestrian way-finding.

Visitor Information Hub is a newly proposed facility situated between Gwanghwamun Axis and City Axis. The dome-shaped feature space is a symbolic disposition of harmony for bringing together the existentiality of the co-axial city. The Visitor Information Hub at belowground has direct access to ground-level plaza via spiraling steps. The circular seating areas next to the Hub provide visitors places to gather and rest when arriving here.