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    • Where to Visit in Seoul, South Korea
      • Complete Guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) in Seoul
      • Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장), Seoul, South Korea
      • The Story of King Sejong (세종이야기) in Seoul, South Korea
      • Insadong (인사동), Seoul, South Korea
      • Jogyesa Temple (조계사) in Seoul, South Korea
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The Story of King Sejong (세종이야기) in Seoul, South Korea

King Sejong the Great statue in Gwanghwamun Square

Gwanghwamun Square (광화문광장) and Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) are definitely top destinations in Seoul for both Koreans and international visitors. One place the visitors may miss when they visit this area lies underneath Gwanghwamun Square: The Story of King Sejong (세종이야기) and The Story of Admiral Yi Sunshin (충무공이야기) Exhibition Hall. This place will absolutely help you understand Korean culture and history better and appreciate them more.

Location

175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea


Direction

  • Subway: Line 3. Get off at Gyeongbokgung Station, exit No. 6 or Line 5, get off at Gwanghwamun Station, exit No. 1 or 8
  • Bus: at Sejong Culture Center, KT Gwanghwamun Office, or Gwanghwamun bus stop
    • B main Line: No. 103, 109, 150, 401, 402, 408, 606, 607, 700, 704, 706, or 707
    • G local Line: No. 1020, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, or 7212
    • R megalopolis Line: No. 1005-1, 1500, 5500-1, 550-2, 9000, 9401, 9703, or 9710

Hours

  • 10:00 – 18:30 (Last entry at 18:00)
  • Closed: Mondays

Admission

Free

Contact

  • Phone: +82 2-399-1000
  • Website: The Story of King Sejong website (Korean and English available)

Who is King Sejong The Great?

Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea

King Sejong The Great (세종대왕) was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty. He achieved more than any other king in Korean history. His achievements during his reign range widely, but the creation of Hangul is not only his top achievement but is considered the most important creation throughout Korean history. He is considered the most admired Korean among Koreans. Besides Hangul, other inventions or achievements during his time include Sundial, strong military presence on the border, Singijeon- the military weapon, Nongsajikseol, and more.


The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall

The Story of King Sejong is an exhibition hall located on the second basement floor of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Visitors can find information about the king’s astonishing contributions to the burgeoning Joseon Dynasty and further Korean history.

The exhibition hall has seven sections:

  • Human Sejong
  • Ideology Focused on the People
  • Invention of Hangul
  • Science & Art
  • Military Policy
  • Video Theater
  • Hangul Gallery

So far more than one and a half million people have visited this place.

In addition to the exhibitions, visitors can also have a hands-on experience such as rubbing experience and experience of writing your own name in hangul with a brush.

The entrance of the Story of King Sejong in Gwanghwamun Square

The entrance to The Story of King Sejong is located behind the statue of King Sejong The Great.

Staircase to the Story of King Sejong in Seoul, South Korea
Exhibition Hall at the Story of King Sejong
Wall decoration at the Story of King Sejong in Seoul
Dokdo Island exhibit at the Story of King Sejong
Samiingok, the Korean old poetry, in Hangul, Korean alphabet

Jeong Cheol wrote Samiingok (사미인곡). It is a famous historical Korean poem in the style of ‘Gasa’. TMI: Many Korean high school students consider this one as one of the hardest historical poems for Sueneung, Korean SAT.

Yongbieocheonga, one of two the oldest Korean lyrics written in Hangul, Korean alphabet
Wolincheongangjigok, one of two oldest lyrics written in Hangul, Korean alphabet
Hunminjeongeum, the script for Hangul, Korean alphabet

Hunminjeongeum is the original name of hangul and it is the title of the book describing hangul.

Experience education room at the Story of King Sejong in South Korea
The principle of the creation of Hangul, Korean alphabet

This section explains how Hangul was created.

The Sundial at the Story of King Sejong

King Sejong The Great was a pioneer not only in Hangul and Korean literature but also in science. He and his fellow scientists achieved many scientific landmarks.

Singijeon, an old Korean weapon, at the Story of King Sejong

King Sejong The Great wanted to be independent in the military and Singijeon (신기전) is a part of his efforts. It is one of his other inventions. It was a ballistic weapon that moves with wheels. The movie, ‘The Divine Weapon,’ tells the story of this historical event.

Hanbok exhibition at the Story of King Sejong
Hanbok decorated with Hangul, Korean alphabet
Experience zone at the Story of King Sejong in Seoul, South Korea

Things To Do near The Story of King Sejong


The Story of King Sejong is adjacent to The Story of Admiral Yi Sunshin (Chungmugong Iyagi/충무공 이야기). Admiral Yi Sunshin is one of the most admired Korean heroes for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war. The exhibit consists of eight experience zones related to the life of Admiral Yi Sunshin. The museum has the turtle war-ship created by Admiral Yi in 55% of the real size.

When you come up to the ground level, Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) is right within a stone’s throw. Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the best historical remains of Joseon Dynasty. This palace went through the whole history of Joseon Dynasty and it is absolutely worth visiting.

If you want to create your own “Eat, Pray, Love,” or more like “Eat, Shop, Love,” nearby Insadong (인사동) is the destination for you. The area is the synonym of a place for traditional Korean items and artworks. Also, you can have a bucket of options for Korean cuisine. Just across the street from Insadong stands Jogyesa Temple, which is the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul.


  • Planning a trip to South Korea? Click here to find more destinations here.
  • Do you want to study in South Korea? Here is a basic guide to start with.
  • Want to learn about Korean culture and more? Click here to find more information about it.
  • Trying to learn Korean language? I have some interesting real expressions for you.
  • A big fan of Korean food? How about some Korean noodles?

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