🎧 Yul's Korea Audio Guide
Gwanghwamun Square: King Sejong & Admiral Yi
Narrated in English with Korean phrases by YUL of KVIBE IDOLS.
🎵 Background music: Letter on the Wind (바람의 편지) — KVIBE IDOLS · Listen to the full song →
Full transcript
Annyeong, yeoreobun! It's Yul, standing in the heart of Seoul: Gwanghwamun Square. Behind me is the palace gate, and in front of me are two giant statues. Let me introduce Korea's ultimate heroes.
First, the man sitting on the golden throne: King Sejong the Great. In the 1400s, most ordinary people couldn't read, because writing used difficult Chinese characters. Sejong thought that was unfair. So with his scholars, he created a brand-new alphabet, Hangeul, and announced it in 1446. It's so logical that you can learn to read it in a day. Every time you see Korean letters, you're seeing Sejong's gift. Kamsahamnida, Your Majesty!
Now, the man with the sword: Admiral Yi Sun-sin. During the Japanese invasions in the 1590s, he never lost a sea battle. His most famous one? The Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597. He had just thirteen ships. The enemy had more than a hundred. And he won! He also commanded the famous turtle ships, covered with iron spikes. Legend!
The square was redesigned and reopened in 2022, with fountains, gardens, and even a little stream. On hot days, kids run through the water, and on big days, the square fills with concerts, festivals and cheering crowds.
Yul's tip! Go down the stairs under King Sejong's statue. There's a free underground exhibition about his life and the story of Hangeul. Then walk to the palace gate for the guard ceremony.
See you at the next story. Annyeong!
