The Story of King Sejong

The Story of King Sejong is an underground exhibition complex beneath Gwanghwamun Plaza in central Seoul, dedicated to King Sejong the Great (1397-1450) — the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, inventor of Hangul, and arguably the most important single figure in Korean cultural history. The complex combines biographical exhibits with full-scale dioramas of Sejong's invention work — the Hangul creation process (1443, promulgated 1446), his astronomical instruments including the Honcheonui armillary sphere and the Cheugugi rain gauge, and the Joseon court system reforms — plus interactive learning stations and bilingual interpretation designed for both Korean students and foreign visitors. The complex is paired underground with a companion exhibition on Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545-1598), whose massive statue stands directly above at ground level in Gwanghwamun Plaza — the two exhibitions together making the plaza's underground a substantial 'two great Korean heroes' visit that maps directly to the two figures Koreans revere most. Free entry. Allow about 90 minutes for the King Sejong side, another 60-90 for Yi Sun-sin, plus a walk-through to Gyeongbokgung Palace via the plaza above. The nearest subway access is Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2). Best combined with a morning Gyeongbokgung visit and this exhibition as an afternoon or rainy-weather retreat underground.