[6] Serving as a public space and at times road for centuries of Korean history,[7] it is also historically significant as the location of royal administrative buildings, known as Yukjo-geori or Street of Six Ministries;[8] and features statues of Admiral Yi Sun-sin of Joseon Dynasty and King Sejong the Great of Joseon.

[10] The square suffered neglect during the Japanese colonial period, faced damage during the Korean War, and then was used as a 16-lane roadway in the 20th century.

The project, in conjunction with the restoration of Gwanghwamun, was carried out by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea and scheduled for completion by August 2009.

However, after surveys of citizens and experts, it was decided to commission a new statue of King Sejong in a sitting position and chose the design in a competition between a shortlist of artists recommended by the Korean Fine Arts Association and universities.

[1] It is in front of Gwanghwamun and stretches south from the three-way intersection, along the front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on the west side and Kyobo Book Centre on the east side, to the Sejong-ro intersection, where the statue of the Admiral Yi Sun-sin stands.

[23] Underneath the statues, there is a small exhibition hall and museum that memorialize Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and King Sejong.

[25] Rallies and demonstrations are illegal at the Square; the Seoul Metropolitan Government has decreed that it is to be used for cultural exhibitions.

[34][35] On 26 July 2012 at 23:00, boy band Beast held a guerrilla concert at the Gwanghwamun end of the square in front of an audience of 4,000 people.

It was part of their promotion for their fifth mini album "Midnight Sun," and the performance was broadcast on SBS's music show "Inkigayo.

His label-mate Jo Sung-mo, of TRAX, recorded a live electric guitar cover of the song with Gwanghwamun Gate in the background.