Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul transformed into summer retreat to have fun in water and learn history

The 2024 Seoul Summer Beach is being held at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul on July 26. Yonhap News

Gwanghwamun Square in the center of Seoul will be transformed into a summer retreat where visitors can cool off with water sports and sunset sightseeing. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on July 30 that from August 5 to 11, it will run “Exploration in Gwanghwamun Square,” a program for families to enjoy history and relax.

During this period, “Guided Sunset Walking Tour” will be held every hour from 5 to 7 p.m. to learn the history of Gwanghwamun and Bukhaksan Mountain. Starting from Forest Square to Yukjo Yard, visitors can listen to a culture and tour guide’s explanation of Gwanghwamun Square's history and facilities, such as statues, for 50 minutes.

There is also a stamp tour where visitors find ”AI guide” signs in front of statues and trees in Gwanghwamun Square and obtain certification. It is a device that allows them to check the stories of facilities, such as the Statue of king Sejong the Great and Historical Waterway, as well as pagoda trees and pine trees through the voice of an AI announcer. If visitors watch at least eight of the 14 contents hidden throughout the square and obtain certification, they can draw for a prize.

There will also be a lecture by Shin Hee-kwon, a professor of national history at the University of Seoul, who consulted on the artifacts unearthed during the expansion of the square. On August 8 at 5 p.m. in the open yard in front of Sejong Lounge, he will share interesting historical stories about Gwanghwamun Woldae and Yukjo Street, which were restored last year. Reservations for the programs (excluding the stamp tour) are available on the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Reservation for Public Service website. Participation is free of charge and the programs may be canceled in case of rain.

Visitors can also participate in “New 28 Letters,” where they receive a mission notebook and learn the meaning of Hunminjeongeum by examining Hangeul Fountain, Spring Fountain, and Statue of king Sejong the Great in the square, and “Memories of 2,539 Days,” where they find records of Panokseon and Saheonbu Gate Site in a diary accidentally found in the square.

The “2024 Seoul Summer Beach,” which opened on July 26 in Gwanghwamun Square, will last until August 11. A 7.5-meter-high water slide and a large 40-meter (1-meter deep) pool are located behind the Statue of King Sejong the Great. They operate for one hour and 20 minutes between 1 and 8 p.m., with a 10-minute break five times. Up to 800 people can enter each session and no reservations are required.

There are also changing rooms and drying facilities around the fountains so that visitors can cool off the heat with water from Myeongnyang Fountain, Hangul Fountain, and Tunnel Fountain. The fountains operate from 10 a.m. to 9:50 p.m. with a 50-minute operation and a 10-minute break.

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