Seoul Plaza, situated directly in front of the modern Seoul City Hall building, is a vital, central public square in the heart of South Korea’s capital. Reopened in 2004 after being converted from a traffic square, it embodies the city’s commitment to creating open, citizen-focused spaces.
The plaza features a distinctive elliptical shape and is largely covered in grass, serving as a major venue for a wide array of cultural events, festivals, and large-scale public gatherings. Historically, the site has been significant, hosting pivotal moments like the 1919 Independence Movement and the pro-democracy rallies of 1987.
Seasonally, the plaza transforms: in winter, it hosts a popular outdoor ice rink, while warmer months feature a refreshing floor water fountain. The plaza sits between the sleek, contemporary City Hall building and the older, historically significant building now housing the Seoul Metropolitan Library. Its central location makes it an accessible hub for both civic life and relaxation in downtown Seoul.
