A Special Encounter on My Way Home from Work: Snowfall in Gwanghwamun
After Work, My Steps Led to Gwanghwamun
As I was heading home from work, snow began to fall from the sky, and the streets quickly turned white. Wanting to see a different scenery than usual, I turned my steps towards Gwanghwamun. It was a familiar road that I passed every day, but the snowy view showed a new charm. The snow piled up softly on the red tiles, and the Gwanghwamun, sparkling under the lights, gave the feeling of being in a different space.
The area around Gwanghwamun was quieter than usual, but the snow seemed to slow down the steps of passersby. It was noticeable that everyone was taking out their smartphones to take pictures or stopping for a moment to enjoy the scenery. I also didn't want to miss this special moment, so I decided to slowly look around.
Gwanghwamun Dressed in White Snow
As I got closer to Gwanghwamun, the snow became thicker, and the scenery created by the contrast between the red tiles and the white snow was impressive. The details of the eaves and the curves of the tiles, which I hadn't noticed before, became clearer thanks to the snow. The snow piled on the tiles looked soft and clean, as if a white cloth had been draped over them.
Climbing onto the platform in front of Gwanghwamun, I could see the distant Bugaksan Mountain. The surrounding noise seemed to have decreased on this winter evening, and the pine trees lined along the walls were covered with white snow. The snow piled on the pine branches and the white line extending along the wall added to the quietness unique to winter and momentarily stopped the busy mind of the after-work commute.
The Serenity of the Winter Palace
The walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace, viewed from in front of Gwanghwamun, showed another charm. The snow piled up softly on the wall and the winter scenery of Bugaksan Mountain behind it was a scene rarely seen in the city. Even a few crows flying above the wall and shaking off the snow felt friendly.
Walking along the palace walls, the harmony of the surrounding modern buildings and the traditional palace was felt anew. I once again realized the charm of Gwanghwamun in that it is a space where you can feel nature and history at the same time in the middle of the city.
The Ambiance of a Winter Night
As evening approached, the area around Gwanghwamun became even more distinct under the lights. The scenery of the lights combined with the falling snow had the power to make passersby pause for a moment. The Gwanghwamun Square was filled with footprints, but the constantly accumulating snow covered those traces, creating a new appearance.
The appearance of Gwanghwamun shining in the falling snow gave the feeling of being beyond time. Gwanghwamun, which stands nobly among modern buildings, stood out even more in the special scenery of a winter night. Office workers and tourists passing by seemed to be taking pictures to capture this moment.
Winter Scenery in the City
Gyeongbokgung Palace and the surrounding buildings viewed from Gwanghwamun showed the harmony of modern Seoul and a traditional palace. I was rewarded for taking a detour on my way home from work because I could see this winter scenery in the middle of the city. It was noticeable that office workers and tourists around were taking pictures to record this moment.
Thanks to the snowy weather, I was able to look at the road, which I usually passed by busily, with a new perspective. The red tiles and white snow of Gwanghwamun, and the winter scenery of Bugaksan Mountain unfolding behind it, made me feel once again that it is a special space where nature and history coexist, even within the city.
The Conclusion of a Special Commute
On the way home, I thought again about the scenery I saw today. It was Gwanghwamun, which I passed every day, but I had never felt so beautiful as today. I took a few pictures with my smartphone, but they were not as vivid as the scenery I saw directly.
This commute became a precious memory in my daily life. I thought that if this kind of weather comes again in the future, I should pause for a moment and take the time to look around. The fact that I could discover such special moments even in the city made today feel even more meaningful.
