If you want to understand Seoul beyond palaces and shopping streets, Seoul Plaza is a place you should not miss. Located directly in front of Seoul City Hall, this open square is where daily life, history, and major public events intersect. For first-time visitors, it offers a clear glimpse into how Seoulites gather, celebrate, and express themselves as a community.
Editor’s Comment
I used to work in a building overlooking Seoul Plaza, and it is truly a place filled with events and activities throughout the year. On some days, bean bags are set out during the daytime so people can lie down, read books, or scroll through their phones in a relaxed atmosphere. On other days, the plaza hosts showcases of regional agricultural and seafood specialties, giving visitors a chance to sample a wide variety of local foods from across the country. In winter, an outdoor ice skating rink is installed, and many citizens come to enjoy skating there. Seeing the rink often brings to mind Rockefeller Center in New York. At the same time, the area is not always quiet. The road on the left side of the plaza, in front of Deoksugung Palace, is frequently used for political demonstrations, making it a lively—and sometimes noisy—part of the city
Historical Significance
Seoul Plaza officially opened in 2004 as Korea’s first modern civic square. Before that, the space functioned mainly as a traffic roundabout. Its transformation reflected Seoul’s shift toward creating open, people-centered urban spaces.
Since then, the plaza has become a symbolic stage for important national moments, including cultural festivals, public celebrations, and peaceful civic gatherings. For many Koreans, Seoul Plaza represents democratic expression and shared public life rather than a purely tourist-oriented attraction.
Size and Layout
Seoul Plaza covers approximately 13,200 square meters, making it compact but highly functional. Its defining feature is a gently sloping oval grass field, designed to feel open from every angle.
The plaza is surrounded by landmarks such as Seoul City Hall, Deoksugung Palace, and major business districts, creating a unique contrast between history, government, and modern city life within a single view.
Opening Hours and Visitor Use
- General access: Open year-round
- Grass lawn access: Restricted at times to protect the turf (especially after rain or before large events)
- Winter season: The grass field is converted into a public ice skating rink
Access policies may change depending on the season or scheduled events, so visitors are advised to check official city announcements for the most current information.
Events and Seasonal Highlights
Seoul Plaza hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including:
- Cultural festivals and outdoor performances
- Seasonal markets and holiday celebrations
- Large-scale public broadcasts and countdown events
- Winter ice skating, one of the most popular seasonal attractions in central Seoul
Many events are free or low-cost, making the plaza especially appealing for travelers who want to experience local culture without reservations or tickets.
What Seoul Plaza Means to Locals
For Seoul residents, Seoul Plaza is not just a sightseeing spot. It is a shared civic space—a place to meet friends after work, watch public performances, or simply sit on the grass with takeaway coffee. It also holds emotional significance as a site where collective voices have been expressed during major social moments. This dual role—as both a relaxed urban park and a meaningful public forum—makes Seoul Plaza deeply important to the city’s identity.
Practical Travel Tips
- Best visited in the late afternoon or early evening, when office workers and locals begin to fill the area
- Combine your visit with a walk along Deoksugung Stone Wall Road nearby
- Easy access via multiple subway lines around City Hall Station
Why You Should Visit Seoul Plaza
Seoul Plaza may not look grand at first glance, but it quietly tells the story of modern Seoul—its people, values, and rhythms of daily life. Spending time here helps visitors understand how Seoul functions as a living city, not just a collection of attractions.
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