Concept
.
Reality

Gwanghwamun Plaza

Seoul, Korea

Gwanghwamun Plaza, an impressive renovation of the square in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, was completed in 2009. In the artist's concept illustrated on the left, the scale of the plaza and its intention to honor Gyeongbukgung Palace is evident. Important buildings from the Japanese occupation were demolished to make way for the plaza, which aimed to become a landmark city focus like Times Square in New York or Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

Features of the plaza as originally designed included a Belgian flower carpet (not implemented), and statues of King Sejong (implemented) and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin (not implemented).