There is a statue of King Sejong the Great in Gwanghwamun Square built on Sejong-ro in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace. King Sejong the Great, as a national hero, was the first king to ascend to the throne at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Considering the historical facts, the statue of King Sejong the Great was built with a new spirit to raise the pride of the nation and to publicize the excellence of the nation widely to the world. .The bronze statue is 6.2m high and 4.3m wide.
The appearance of the statue gives a friendly feeling, as if holding a book in one hand and comforting the people with the other hand, with a gentle expression rather than the king's dignity. In the space in front of the statue of King Sejong the Great, Honcheonui (an instrument that served as an astronomical clock by measuring the movement and position of celestial bodies), a rain gauge (an instrument used to measure rainfall from after King Sejong to the end of the Joseon Dynasty), Angbuilgu (sundials made in the 17th and 18th centuries) were made and displayed, and a chronological table of the Joseon Dynasty is engraved on the waterway flowing along the edge of the square. And on the back of the statue, on the six pillar-shaped colonnades, the map of Jiphyeonjeon, the map of Jujaso, the map of six camps, the map of conquering Tsushima, the map of Jieumdo, and the map of Seoungwan are carved in relief form to symbolically show the achievements of King Sejong the Great. There is an entrance leading to the basement of the Sejong Story Exhibition Hall.
This is the reign of the 4th king of Joseon (1418-50). During his reign, he solidified the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty by establishing the foundation of Confucian politics and revamping various systems such as enforcing public laws. In addition, it contributed to the prosperity of culture in the Joseon Dynasty, including the creation of Hangeul, greatly developed science and technology, and expanded its territory based on accumulated national power. He is the third son of King Taejong, whose name is Doja Won-won, and his mother is Queen Won-gyeong of the Min clan. His consort is Queen Soheon, daughter of Sim On, Buwongun of Cheongcheon. [Every...
Read moreWisdom Incarnate: The Statue of King Sejong the Great Standing proudly in the vast expanse of Gwanghwamun Plaza, the Statue of King Sejong the Great (세종대왕 동상) is more than just a monumental figure; it's a powerful symbol of Korea's intellectual prowess and enduring cultural identity. Revered as one of the most visionary leaders in Korean history, King Sejong's statue invites you to reflect on a golden age of innovation and enlightenment. My personal experience visiting this statue is always humbling. Perched regally on his throne, King Sejong looks out with a calm, benevolent gaze, holding a book – a poignant tribute to his profound scholarship and dedication to knowledge. He is best known for orchestrating the creation of Hangul (한글), the remarkably logical and accessible Korean alphabet, a gift to his people that empowered literacy and fostered a unique national identity. Below the statue, a fascinating underground museum, the Story of King Sejong, further details his numerous achievements in science, astronomy, music, and military defense. It's an incredible deep dive into the mind of a true polymath. This statue isn't just for history buffs or academics; it's a profound source of national pride and a testament to the power of wisdom and leadership. It represents the very essence of a nation that values education and progress. Standing before King Sejong, you feel the weight of history and the enduring legacy of a ruler who genuinely sought to uplift his people. It's an inspiring landmark that powerfully conveys the spirit of innovation that continues to...
Read moreIf you are visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, it will be a must for you to come visit this most iconic statue of South Korea. Although this statue may not be as visible from far compared to the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, which is much taller, but this gold statue is dedicated to the most influential monarchs in Korean history, King Sejong the Great.
King Sejong the Great ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As the 4th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong the Great is regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Korean history, and is remembered as the inventor of Hangul, the native alphabet of the Korean language. He also promoted agriculture, literature, science and technology, as well as Confucian philosophy during his reign.
The Statue ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The statue has one hand raised and the other holding a book, represents his contribution to the literature, culture and literacy to Korea. The sides of the statue display all of the Hangul alphabet characters. In front, there are small models of a celestial globe, a rain gauge, and a sundial, these inventions are also attributed to him.
The surrounding ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The statue is located at Gwanghwamun Square, a very iconic and photogenic open space in Seoul City. Here you will notice Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin is standing guard in front, then King Sejong the Great sitting in the middle, at the back is Gyeongbokgung Palace, with the Bugaksan Mountain as...
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