Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace, has been restored to its former design after 100 years since its damage during the Japanese occupation. The reconstruction includes the woldae, an elevated ceremonial stage, and a newly colored signboard. 

The reconstruction process involved removing the railroad tracks that had become embedded in the ground in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, as well as finding the correct location for the stones of the woldae, which were discovered at Donggureung Royal Tomb. The statues of mythical creatures, Seosusang and Haetaesang, were also newly installed on each side of the woldae. The reconstructed woldae is 48.7 meters long and 29.7 meters wide. A 7-meter-wide King’s Road is also installed down the middle of the woldae. 

In addition to the woldae, Gwanghwamun Gate’s signboard was also restored to its original coloring. The signboard bears the replicated handwriting of Im Taeyoung, the head of Gyeongbokgung Palace’s reconstruction in the Joseon dynasty. While the previous signboard featured black letters on a white background, the new signboard features gold lettering on a black background. 

An exhibition showcasing cultural heritages found at Saheonbu Gate Site in Gwanghwamun Plaza is also taking place. The landscape and course of the ever-popular guard ceremonies is expected to change with these new additions. 

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Gyeongbokgung Palace 
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161) 
Operating hours: November-February 09:00-17:00 / March-May & September-October 09:00-18:00 / June-August 09:00-18:30 
* Closed Tuesdays 
Guard ceremonies 
- Changing of the guards: 10:00, 14:00 (20 min) 
- Guarding Gwanghwamun Gate: 11:00, 13:00 (10 min) 
- Public training of the royal guard: 09:35, 13:35 (15 min) 
* No ceremonies on days when palace is closed or during heavy rain or snow.