Seoul to install 100-meter-high Taegeukgi flagpole at Gwanghwamun Square to unite people

A bird\'s eye view of the 100-meter-high Taegeukgi flagpole to be built at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

A 100-meter-high Taegeukgi flagpole will be installed at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government, which announced the project, called the flag "a representative national symbol that played a role in uniting the people," but criticisms have also been raised that it is a nationalistic and totalitarian move.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on June 25 that it would install a "large Taegeukgi" and an "Eternal Flame" as symbolic sculptures in Gwanghwamun Square by 2026, along with the creation of a national symbolic space in the city center. The plan is to create a space with historical and cultural symbolism like the Washington Monument in Washington, the capital of the U.S., the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, and the Dublin Spire in Dublin, Ireland.

According to Seoul, the height of the flagpole is planned to be 100 meters to avoid blocking the surrounding buildings, but it could be higher during the design process. At over 100 meters, it will be the tallest flagpole in Korea.

A 21-meter-wide by 14-meter-tall Taegeukgi will be hung on top, and a 15-meter-high media facade will be placed at the bottom.

The symbolic facilities, which are scheduled to be created by holding an integrated design competition between August and November, are expected to complete its basic and implementation design by April next year, begin construction in May and be completed by around February 2026.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it chose Taegeukgi as a symbol because "it is a representative national symbol that has shared history, joys and sorrows with the Korean people at the time of various incidents, including the March 1st Movement, the restoration of Seoul, and the June 1987 uprising, and played a role in uniting the people during the World Cup and Olympics."

Regarding the “Eternal Flame” that will be installed in front of the flagpole, the city said, "It is a space where people can honor and commemorate national heroes in their daily lives by using fire, which symbolizes memory and remembrance, to express gratitude for their love for the country and to pray for the perpetuation of Korea."

At a meeting with Korean War veterans on June 25, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, "It is thanks to war veterans’ noble sacrifice and dedication that Korea can enjoy freedom and peace today,” adding, "In order to honor them without forgetting their noble will, we plan to build symbolic sculptures in Gwanghwamun Square so that all Koreans can feel proud.”

However, backlash is also expected, especially from civil society. Critics say the sculptures are outdated and lack social consensus.

Kim Jae-sang, secretary-general of the Cultural Action, said, "There are many ways to instill patriotism to the people in this era. I don't know if installing a large-scale flagpole will foster patriotism and pride. It is a nationalistic and totalitarian method.”

※This article has undergone review by a professional translator after being translated by an AI translation tool.