Here is Korea's representative square encompassing administration and culture. In the Joseon Dynasty, government offices were located in Gwanghwamun Square.

It is the reference point showing the start and end of Seoul roads. Korea's first Starting Point of Mile Posts used to be situated at the center of Gwanghwamun Gate in 1914. It was relocated to its current location in 1997.

Seoul Metropolitan Council was originally built as a cultural space for exhibitions and performances in 1935. After the liberation of Korea, the building was used as the National Assembly building and the annex building of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. It is currently being used for the Seoul Metropololitan Coucil and is also a symbolic space for Site of Bumin-gwan Bomb Attack, representing Korean people's will for independence from Japanese colonialism.

This structure was built in 1902 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Emperor Gojong's coronation. The name of the independent era, "Gwangmu", is engaved on the monument. Carved on the front side are letters written by Sunjong, the crown prince at the time.