More than 3 million people have visited the Gwanghwamun Plaza since it opened to the public two months ago. The plaza ?created in an effort to rehabilitate the old Yukjo Street of Joseon period where the king, his officials and subjects mixed ?has quickly become a new destination in the heart of downtown Seoul. It is here that the statue of King Sejong that symbolizes the plaza has finally been unveiled.

The statue was unveiled Oct. 9, Hangeul Day. Clay in amount equivalent to rice bowls of 54,000 adults and bronze in amount equivalent to some 32 million pieces of 10 won coins were used to create the statue. It took about five months to complete the giant statue.

Also unveiled on the same day were a sun dial and rain gauge exhibited around the statue and the Story of Sejong which unfolds at the underground passage connected to the Gwanghwamun Plaza. Here, King Sejong's great achievements are chronicled. Already, there are often long lines of Korean and foreign visitors lining up to enter the Story of Sejong.

The Story of Sejong exhibition hall is divided into nine themes. Sejong the Man, shows models of King Sejong's major accomplishment from 1397, when he was born as the third prince to the King Taejong, to his death in 1450. Minbon Sasang is dedicated to his leadership while Hangeul Creation details the principles of the invention of Hangeul. Science and Arts, Sejong's Military Policy, Sage King Sejong, Place of Communication, Sejong Visual Hall, and New Light Seoul make up the rest of the exhibition.

Story of Sejong Information

• Hours : Weekdays and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
                Sunday, public holiday 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• How to get there :
  Take Exit No. 1 at Jonggak Station on Subway Line No. 1 and walk toward Gwanghwamun Plaza.
  Take Exit No. 6 at Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line No.3 and walk toward Sejongno.
  Take Exit No.2 at Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line No. 5

SOURCE : Korea.net