Jung Da-hyun is a reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues in Korea, including foreign residents, education, environment and politics. Driven by a deep interest in people’s stories, she focuses on investigative and feature reporting through direct interviews and field coverage. She received the Amnesty International Korea Media Award for her “Deepfake Crisis at Schools” series. Reach her at dahyun08@koreatimes.co.kr. Always open to hearing your stories.
Will Seoul erect flagpole at Gwanghwamun Square despite controversy?
The virtual image shows a media facade featuring the Korean national flag at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. The city government is considering designs using a media facade, which was proposed during the public consultation process. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
By Jung Da-hyun
City to finalize plan for national symbolic space in December
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will move forward with plans to establish a national symbolic space at Gwanghwamun Square, although the inclusion of a 100-meter-tall flagpole remains uncertain, officials said Tuesday.
The city government is also considering alternative features, such as a media façade to display national symbols on a screen, considering public suggestions gathered during the consultation process.
However, controversy continues to swirl, with debates not only about the flagpole's installation but also about the broader concept of creating a symbolic space at the square. Additionally, the process of gathering public opinions has faced criticism, with doubts raised about the representativeness of the feedback collected.
The city announced the results of a public consultation Tuesday, revealing that around 59 percent of respondents support the creation of a national symbolic space, while about 40 percent believe that the Korean national flag, the Taegeukgi, should be a central feature of the space.
The proposal, first mentioned by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on June 25 during a meeting with Korean War veterans, has since sparked controversy. Critics have raised concerns about excessive displays of patriotism and potential budget waste over installing a giant flagpole.
In response to growing concerns and criticisms, Oh held a press briefing on July 11, stating that the city government would reconsider its plans and explore all possibilities for creating the symbolic space.
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Subsequently, the city government sought public opinions on the creation of a national symbolic space for a month from July 15 to Thursday through its official website.
A total of 522 opinions were submitted, with 59 percent, or 308 respondents, expressing support for the city's plan, while 210 respondents, or 40 percent, opposed the idea.
Regarding potential features for the symbolic space, 41 percent, or 215 respondents, favored the inclusion of the national flag, followed by the national flower, the mugunghwa, as the second-most-popular choice, with 11 responses. The national emblem and national seal were each selected by two respondents, while one person suggested the national anthem.
Other ideas included the Hunminjeongeum, a 15th-century manuscript that introduced the Korean script, a pine tree, Dokdo and the national flags of the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War.
Additionally, 28 proposals addressed the design of the symbolic space, with many suggesting the use of cutting-edge technology, such as installing a media facade or media wall.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon answers questions regarding the city's plan to establish a national symbolic space at Gwanghwamun Square during a press briefing at City Hall, Tuesday. Yonhap
However, 40 percent of respondents opposed the city's proposals, with 146 individuals arguing that Gwanghwamun Square should retain its current status.
Additionally, 47 respondents argued that the city's budget should be allocated to more pressing issues, such as addressing the low birthrate and supporting the socially vulnerable.
The process of gathering public opinions has also faced criticism over its representativeness, as key demographic information such as age and gender, which could indicate the sample's representativeness, was not disclosed.
Meanwhile, the city government emphasized its focus on creating a national symbolic space that represents free democracy and world peace while connecting the nation's past and future.
"The space will honor the dedication of U.N. troops who fought in the Korean War to protect freedom and peace and commemorate the sacrifices that laid the foundations for the nation's prosperity," Oh said.
He also remained open to various possibilities regarding the features of the symbolic space, stating that the city government will continue considering diverse ideas for its creation while accepting ideas through a design contest.
The city government plans to conduct a design contest next month, following consultations with experts on the public opinion survey findings. The design for the space is expected to be finalized by the end of this year, with construction targeted for completion by September next year.