‘Outdoor Advertising Free zone’ Public-Private Partnership Launched
9 locations including Dong-A Ilbo-KT-Donghwa Duty Free Shop
New electronic display board installation ‘Media Canvas’
Sejong Center for teh Performing Arts is also being renovated… Completed in 2033
Seoul’s gwanghwamun Square has taken the first step toward transforming itself into a world-class outdoor advertising destination.
Jongno-gu, Seoul held a launch ceremony for the public-private joint council for the ‘Gwanghwamun Square Outdoor Advertising Free Display Zone’ at the district office on the 6th, with District Mayor Jeong Moon-heon and others in attendance. gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu was designated as the second free advertising zone along with Myeong-dong in Jung-gu, Seoul and Haeundae Beach in Haeundae-gu, Busan in January this year. Accordingly, regulations on the size, shape, and color of outdoor electronic signs installed on buildings in the region have been relaxed. this is an attempt to create a world-class outdoor photo attraction in Korea comparable to Times Square in New York, USA, and Piccadilly Circus in London, england.
By the end of 2025, nine places, including Dong-A Ilbo, KT, Dongwha Duty Free Shop, Kookho Building, and Sekwang
Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, near Gwanghwamun Square, and Koreana Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, will install new electronic signboards. The public-private joint council, comprised of 23 members, decided to cooperate to turn Gwanghwamun Square, which has national symbolism, into a ‘media canvas.’ The public-private joint council is the main body of implementation of the basic plan for the Gwanghwamun Advertising Free Zone and will also serve as a focal point for transmitting highly artistic content containing cutting-edge technology.
The construction of the Gwanghwamun Advertising Free Zone will be carried out in three stages over 10 years from this year to 2033. For the three years from 2024 to 2026, emphasis will be placed on creating initial infrastructure focused on commerce and entertainment, centered on the Gwanghwamun intersection. Specifically, like the Dong-A Media Center headquarters, we plan to install electronic display boards at business sites that will become landmarks in the Gwanghwamun Advertising Free Zone in the future. Jongno-gu is also planning to broadcast media works by young artists and hold conference events and festivals during this period.
The culture and arts section will be reorganized from 2027 to 2029. The currently aging Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the site of the US Embassy in Korea, which is scheduled to be relocated, will be reorganized with a focus on content. Next, from 2030 to 2033, the entire area will be transformed into an all-round media electronic display section in order to develop Gwanghwamun Square into a world-class tourist attraction.
mayor Jeong said, “If the current plan goes as planned, Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul will be reborn as a future city seen in old science fiction movies in 2033.” He added, “The newly born Gwanghwamun Square will be a place where tradition, modernity, and the future come together. “We will do our best to become a public square,” he emphasized.
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What are the expected benefits of the Gwanghwamun Square Outdoor Advertising Free Display Zone for local businesses?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Urban Advancement Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today,we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Hyun-Seok Kim, an expert in urban development and public-private partnerships.Dr.Kim,thank you for joining us.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the recent announcement regarding the ‘Gwanghwamun Square Outdoor advertising Free Display Zone.’ Can you tell us about the significance of this initiative for Seoul and it’s potential impact on urban landscape?
Dr.Kim: Absolutely! This initiative aims to transform Gwanghwamun Square into a vibrant outdoor advertising destination comparable to famous sites like Times Square and Piccadilly Circus. It’s quite critically important as Gwanghwamun Square is not only a historical and cultural symbol of Korea but also a bustling hub for both locals and tourists. This project represents a bold step toward revitalizing the area and enhancing economic activity through creative and visually appealing advertising.
Editor: The project involves relaxed regulations on the size, shape, and color of outdoor electronic signs. What do you think about this approach,and how do you feel it will affect local businesses and the community?
dr. Kim: Relaxing these regulations can be seen as a double-edged sword.On one hand, it allows businesses to create more dynamic and eye-catching advertisements, which can attract more customers and boost local economies. On the other hand, there is a risk of visual clutter if not managed properly.The key will be to strike a balance between artistic expression and maintaining the historical and cultural integrity of Gwanghwamun Square.
Editor: You mentioned that this project will unfold in three stages over ten years. What can we expect in the early phases, particularly between 2024 and 2026?
Dr. Kim: During the initial three-year phase, the focus will be on building the infrastructure needed to support commerce and entertainment in the area. Key installations, like electronic display boards at major business sites, will serve as landmarks. This is significant as it sets the stage for a more engaged community and can position Gwanghwamun as a cultural and commercial icon.Moreover, the emphasis on showcasing works by young artists will foster a cultural renaissance in the area while attracting a diverse range of visitors.
Editor: The article also mentions that the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will be undergoing renovations, with a completion date set for 2033. how do you see this tying into the broader vision for Gwanghwamun Square?
Dr. Kim: The renovation of the Sejong Center is a perfect complement to the Gwanghwamun Square initiative. It signifies a commitment to enhancing cultural offerings in the area. The center will potentially serve as a venue for performances and events that engage the community and tourists alike. This synergy can help position Gwanghwamun Square as a holistic cultural district, where art, entertainment, and commerce coalesce, ultimately strengthening its appeal.
Editor: It’s exciting to think about the future of Gwanghwamun Square. As we move forward, what challenges do you foresee in implementing such an ambitious project?
Dr. Kim: The main challenges will likely revolve around balancing commercial interests with cultural preservation and community needs. There may be pushback from residents concerned about increased traffic, noise, or visual disruption. Additionally, ensuring that the public-private partnership remains obvious and equitable will be crucial.Ongoing community engagement and input will be essential to navigate these challenges successfully.
Editor: Great insights, Dr. Kim. As we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to our readers about the significance of this development?
Dr. Kim: I’d like to emphasize that urban development projects like the Gwanghwamun Square initiative are not just about infrastructure; they’re about creating vibrant spaces that foster community identity, artistic expression, and economic growth. It’s an exciting time for Seoul, and I encourage everyone to engage in discussions about these changes—it’s through public dialog that the best outcomes are achieved.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Hyun-seok Kim, for sharing your expertise with us today. We look forward to seeing how Gwanghwamun square evolves in the coming years!
Dr. Kim: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.