A Gwanghwamun Office Worker's Winter Stroll: Visiting the Hidden Treasure Beneath Gwanghwamun Plaza, the Sejong Story Exhibition Hall
A Journey Through Time to the Joseon Era
While enjoying a lunchtime stroll on a cold winter day, I happened to discover an entrance leading down beneath the statue of King Sejong in Gwanghwamun Plaza. It was the 'Sejong Story' Exhibition Hall , a space where you can vividly experience the achievements of King Sejong and the story of the creation of Hangeul. The exhibition hall is free to enter and is open from 10 AM to 6:30 PM every day except Monday, making it a great place to visit without burden during lunch break.
The entrance was easily accessible, located behind the statue of King Sejong. As soon as I went down into the basement, the modern and clean interior caught my eye, and King Sejong's chronology and achievements were arranged on the walls. The exhibition was composed of six sections, each themed around King Sejong's philosophy of people-centered governance, the creation of Hangeul, science and art, and military policies.
Interesting Exhibition Content
Inside the exhibition hall, I was able to see digital content detailing the process and principles by which King Sejong created Hunminjeongeum (the original name for the Korean alphabet). Especially, historical artifacts related to Hangeul, such as the Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon (Explanations and Examples of the Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People) and Yongbieocheonga (Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven), were on display, which allowed me to experience the historical significance firsthand. I was able to get a glimpse of the deep thought and effort King Sejong put into the creation of Hangeul, and through this, I once again felt the preciousness of Hangeul.
Also, models of scientific inventions from King Sejong's era, such as the sundial (Angbuilgu), the water clock (Jagyeokru), and the star chart (Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido), were on display, giving a glimpse of the level of science and technology at the time. These inventions were not just technological achievements, but also practical tools to improve the lives of the people, which made it all the more touching.
Traditional Musical Instruments and Multimedia Experiences
The traditional musical instruments, the Pyeongjong (bronze bell chimes) and Pyeongyeong (stone chimes), were also impressive. These instruments are important artifacts that show King Sejong’s achievements in contributing to the development of traditional Korean music, and their elaborate decorations and structures were eye-catching. Along with the unique sounds of the instruments, I could feel the depth of the music culture at the time.
Also, the interactive content using a transparent OLED display made by LG was very popular with visitors. The transparent OLED screen delivered the story of King Sejong with clear and vivid graphics, providing a great example of how digital technology and traditional history can be harmonized. Visitors could directly experience the content by touching the screen or following along with their eyes, providing a more immersive experience.
My Personal Impressions
This exhibition was not just about listing historical facts, but also structured to allow visitors to participate more actively through various multimedia and experiential elements. In particular, I was able to learn how each artifact came to be at the museum through the stories of the donors, which gave me a sense of emotion beyond simple observation.
Also, I was impressed by how this exhibition illuminated King Sejong's philosophy of people-centered governance and the creation of Hangeul, as well as his science, art, and military policies from various angles. In a short amount of time, I was able to gain a deep understanding of the achievements of King Sejong, the greatest monarch of Joseon, and I was impressed with the new style of exhibition that combined modern technology.
In Conclusion...
The ‘Sejong Story’ exhibition was a perfect place to stop by and enjoy a leisurely lunchtime walk as well as learn about history. If you have a chance to visit Gwanghwamun Plaza, I highly recommend that you visit. I hope that you can experience the great achievements of King Sejong and the story of the creation of Hangeul for yourself in this space, where you can have a meaningful time while taking a warm stroll.
