Seoul Fun ~ Day 1 @ Gwangwamun Square

After the refreshment at Samcheongdong, we returned to Gwanghwamun Square. As we have done too much walking at the Gyeongbukgung palace and National Folk Museum, our legs got really fatigue. To be smarter, we tried to reduce our walking duration by taking a green bus which travel in the city (It was actually within walking distance :D) It was adventurous attempt as green bus that doesn't have an English signboard or route map. It was all depending on Yee Pei's knowledge on Seoul public transport. We tried our luck. and Yes! We made it again! ^.^ Here are the tricks to share with you all. 

1. Hop on the bus along Samcheongdong for direction towards Gyeongbukgung Palace. 

2. Prepare to stop when you pass the palace main gate.

3. When you hear the name of "Sejong" stop, press the stop button. 

                                            It's easy! Be adventurous and happy trying!! :)

The green city bus

Gwanghwamun Square with beautiful panoramic sceney of King Sejong statue, Bukhansan mountain and Gwanghwamun gate. 

Gwanghwamun Square is located at the center of Sejong-ro which connects the Gwanghwamun Gate and Cheonggye Square. Yee Pei told me that Gwanghwamun Square was built to reduce the 16 lanes traffic down to 10 in the middle of Sejong-ro. It is brilliantly transformed into a popular tourist spot and local's leisure recreation area today. 

King Sejong statue 

King Sejong statue and admiral Lee Sun Sin statue in Gwanghwamun Square are regarded as an iconic landmark representative of Seoul. Thus, a photo with King Sejong is a must-do things in Seoul ;) At the back of the 9.5 meter high King Sejong statue is an entrance that led us underground to "The story of King Sejong" exhibition hall. Again, I was impressed with the way Korean makes their history live and attractive! 

 

For your information, King Sejong, the 4th king of the Josein Dynasty is regarded as the highly revered King in Korea. He accomplished many brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the area of science, culture, arts and politics. 

The exhibition hall is not big, but is well categorized  into five main sections (King Sejong as an individual, minbon thought, creation of Hangeul, science and art and great sage King Sejong).  The hall was built in appreciation of the great works and achievements done by the great king.  

"King Sejong as an individual" is the section which brings visitors into the King's life by cartoon animation on the LCD monitor. It was attractive for both of us, we watched the entire story :D (while giving our exhausted leg a break :P)

I was sitting on King Sejong seat. I was a 30-second King of Korea :D

"Creation of Hangeul" section described how Kng Sejong created Hangeul (Korean Alphabet). It is presented as miniature model and detailed information is available at the posters. 

Korean expert with Korean alphabet, perfect match :)

Creative Korean Alphabet seat. Nice photo spot!

" Science and Art" section displays the important invention such as Honcheonui (celestial globe), Jagyeokru (water clock), Cheonsangyeolchabunyajido (astronomical chart) and  sundial.

Korea's first sundial, Angbu Ilgu  used to indicate season in ancient world. 

After coming out from the exhibition hall, I was attracted by the display of a cute polar bear on a bicycle. Yee Pei explained to me that Korean Government declared low carbon green growth as a National Vision to alleviate climate change and energy crisis. Many initiatives have been implemented to educate the citizens about global warming and to be more environmental friendly in many aspects of life. Well done Korea! I hope Malaysia would have great strategy to go green too.   

Admiral Lee Sun Sin Statue beside the busy street. 

Spotted a cute Haechi. Haechi is the mascot of Seoul city. It has existed as a gurdian of Seoul to protect them from fire, disaster, and to promote integrity and good fortune. 

Soon, I felt like I was in the modern city again as I was surrounded by the tall buildings.

We moved on to a place that resembles the Star avenue in Hong Kong. Where would it be?

hihi....Be patient until the next post is up :P

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Travel info: 

Gwanghwamun Square
"The story of King Sejong" exhibition hall

Ticket price: Free admission

Operating hours: 10:30 -22:30 (Everyday except Monday)                                

Last admission 22:00

Closed on Monday

Transportation: 

                   1. Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 1, walk towards Gwanghwamun
                   2. Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 6, walk towards Sejong-ro.

                   3. Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5), Exit2, direct access from station.

Bus guide: 

                    1. Buses will stop if there are people waiting at the bus stop. 

                    2.You must board the bus from the front door to pay the fare (tapping the T-money 
                        card is much easier).

                          *The fare is 1000 Won per ride, but 900 Won if you  use T-money

                    3. When you hear the name of your intended stop, press the stop button. 

                    4. When alighting, you must use the exit door at the middle of the bus. 

                    5. If you use cash, you can just alight the bus. If you use T-money, remember to tap  
                        the card again.

Map courtesy of  KTO website

Travel Tips: 

                1. Bring an umbrella along if it's summer, It's an open area except the underground  
                    exhibition hall.
                2. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes, you need to walk a lot in this area.

                3. Remember to take a photo with King Sejong statue and admiral Lee Sun Sin 
                    Statue together with the beautiful Bukhansan Mountain. 

                4. Watch King Sejong story cartoon animation if you have time. Great one! (you can  
                    rest you feet at the same time :D)

P/S: If you have extra time to hang around, do visit KTO website for Gwanghwamun Square travel highlight.

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