The Street as a Square, the Square as a Street

Seoul, shaped by its road network, blends historical and modern elements across its evolving landscape. The proposal for the International Design Competition for New Gwanghwamun Square envisions transforming a key thoroughfare into an integrated ‘square’ within the city’s street grid. Instead of a conventional plaza, it introduces a ‘wall,’ ‘path,’ and ‘garden’ to enhance urban connectivity. By expanding pedestrian areas and adding green spaces, the design maintains road functionality while enriching the cityscape and fostering a renewed sense of place and community.