Gwanghwamun illuminated behind BTS, drawing global spotlight

▲ A media facade is displayed at Sungnyemun in Seoul on March 20, 2026, marking the release of BTS’ new album "Arirang." (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 21 (Yonhap) -- “Closing the gate shuts out strange and wicked influences, while opening it invites virtuous people from all directions — this is the essence of righteousness.”

The quote, recorded in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty in 1395, reflects the philosophy behind the main gate of the royal palace that would later become known as Gwanghwamun.

After founding the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo ordered scholar-official Jeong Do-jeon to name the newly built palace in the capital, Hanyang, marking the beginning of Gyeongbokgung Palace. At the time, only the southern gate of the palace was referred to as the main gate, while others remained unnamed.

▲ A view of the Woldae platform and Gyeongbokgung Palace at Gwanghwamun. (Yonhap)

The name “Gwanghwamun” was given in 1426. Derived from a Confucian classic, it signifies that the ruler’s virtue spreads like light in all directions and that just governance reaches the entire land. Today, Gwanghwamun stands as a symbolic landmark of Seoul — a historic space linking past and present, palace and plaza — now serving as the backdrop for BTS’ comeback performance.

A massive pi-shaped LED structure installed on the stage will frame the grand view of Gwanghwamun beyond it, highlighting the site’s architectural majesty during the concert.

▲ Preparations are under way for K-pop group BTS' comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 19, 2026. (Yonhap)

Gwanghwamun, with a history spanning over 600 years, is one of Korea’s most iconic cultural heritage sites. Unlike the main gates of other palaces such as Changdeokgung and Deoksugung, it features a high stone platform topped with a pavilion, resembling a fortress gate.

The gate has three entrances: the central passage was reserved exclusively for the king, while the side gates were used by the crown prince and officials. The central “king’s gate” remains closed even during ceremonies or guard-changing rituals.

▲ Foreign tourists and citizens watch the royal guard-changing ceremony at the Woldae platform of Gwanghwamun in Seoul on March 15, 2026. (Yonhap)

Despite its status as a major tourist attraction, Gwanghwamun has endured a turbulent history. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century along with Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Although restored during the reign of King Gojong in the late Joseon period, it was dismantled during the Japanese colonial era to make way for the Government-General building. It was relocated near its current site, only to be damaged again during the Korean War.

Gwanghwamun returned to its original position in 1968, but the structure, rebuilt with reinforced concrete and misaligned from its original axis, fell short of historical accuracy. After years of restoration, it was fully reconstructed in 2010.

Further efforts over the following decade restored the Woldae platform in front of the gate and reinstated its signboard with gold lettering on a black background. Researchers and citizens contributed to the recovery of historical materials, including the rediscovery of guardian statues that once stood before the gate.

“Gwanghwamun is not merely a gate but a living embodiment of our history,” the Korea Heritage Service said in a 2008 publication.

As BTS takes the stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Gwanghwamun illuminated with light is expected to capture global attention. The scene of the historic gate and Gyeongbokgung Palace behind the seven members will be broadcast live to 190 countries via Netflix.

▲ A media facade is displayed at Sungnyemun in Seoul on March 20, 2026, marking the release of BTS’ new album "Arirang." (Yonhap)

Director Hamish Hamilton, who helms the performance, described the venue in an interview with Bloomberg as “an arch, a frame, the beginning of a story, an ending, and at the same time the start of a new chapter.”

Experts say the concert could further elevate Korea’s global cultural presence. Lee Hoon, dean of the College of Social Sciences and professor of tourism at Hanyang University, said BTS’ performance will not only promote Korea’s cultural heritage worldwide but also serve as a catalyst encouraging more people to visit the country.

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