Seoul - 6.1 Seoul’s Symbolic Space and the Emblem of Seoul, Haechi
Downtown Seoul where Jongmyo, Sajik, the palaces and various cultural properties are still preserved and surrounded by the city walls is the symbolic space that represents the historic and cultural city, Seoul. Currently, numerous historical resources such as historic organizations and historic views are in tact in the downtown area. There are 78 national cultural properties, 82 municipal and registered cultural properties, 411 modern architectural properties, 575 hanoks, 154 urban living heritages, 263 commemorative milestones, 44 protected trees, and 23 Maaegakjas (letters engraved in stones). Among these Jongmyojerye (Ancestral Ritual at the Jongmyo Shrine, 1995), Changdeokgung Palace (1997) and the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (Seonneung, Jeongneung, Taeneung, etc., 2009) were registered as UNESCO World Heritage. Now, the Hanyang Fortress Walls are in the process of becoming designated as UNESCO World Heritage.
The most symbolic space within the city walls is the space connecting Gwanghwamun (the main gate of the Gyeongbokgung Palace) Plaza, Sejongno – Taepyeongno – City Hall Plaza and Namdaemun. The Joseon Dynasty’s main palace, Gyeongbokgung, and the Yukjo Administrative Offices were located in Sejongno, and today, the Blue House, the Central Government Complex, the media companies, and the headquarters of corporations are clustered in this same street that extends to Deoksugung – the City Hall Plaza – Namdaemun, and is representative of Seoul.
The Japanese Government – General of Korea Building, the highest Japanese colonial institution, invaded Gyeongbokgung when it was built. It was demolished in 1995, and Gyeongbokgung was restored. The Gwanghwamun Restoration Project was completed in 2010, and the Sejongno Plaza was newly renovated; the space regained its symbolic status. Sejongno Plaza served as the political, administrative and cultural center in the past, and national ceremonies and cultural events were hosted there. Currently, Sejongno Plaza and the City Hall Plaza are used for many rallies and events due to their symbolic value. During the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, thousands of people packed Sejongno Plaza, the City Hall Plaza and the streets that connected the two to cheer for the Korean National Team to create tides of red. From a series of rallies such as pro-democracy rallies and candlelight rallies on the mad cow disease to Gangnam Style’s singer Psy’s concert, wide range of events have been held demonstrating the active plaza culture and the spirit of Seoul.
Haechi, the guardian of Gwanghwamun Plaza, is an imaginary animal, which makes judgment on what is right and wrong, and is also known as a divine creature that prevents fire and fends off bad luck. It is used frequently as seen in the monument celebrating the 40th year of Gojong’s coronation and Hwanggungwu. The city government selected Haechi as the brand identity of Seoul for these symbolic meanings, and various Haechi designs are created and utilized.
