광화문광장 3.7배 확대…시청까지 지하 연결하고 GTX역 신설

Gwanghwamun Square is known for its political significance, after candlelight rallies there played a big role in ousting a scandal-ridden president two years ago.
It's the landmark of civic spirit... as countless citizens over generations gathered there to call for change and democracy.
Which is why, the Seoul city government is planning a major expansion of the area to celebrate its historic value.
Oh Soo--young provides a glimpse of what to expect. South Korea's iconic Gwanghwamun Square will be expanded into a massive, walkable plaza joining historical landmarks, cultural spaces and transportation links.
On Monday, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, announced the city's plans to invest some 92 million U.S. dollars into renovating the public area,... in order to commemorate 600 years of its historical and democratic significance,... as well as make the area more pedestrian-friendly.
Under the "Deep Surface" concept, the pedestrian strip that currently lies in the center of the street will be increased nearly four-fold to 69-thousand square meters.
The statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-shin will be moved to either side of the street to make the Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukhansan mountain area clearly visible from the square.
To promote greenery,... the city plans to plant trees and miniature gardens between buildings and on rooftops,... and install a sunken garden stretching from the pedestrian strip into the underground area.
Under the plan,... the underground areas will also be expanded, joining City Hall and Gwanghwamun subway stations,... to create spaces for concerts, exhibitions and other cultural and educational purposes.
The GTX-A subway line which will run from Paju in the north to Dongtan in Gyeonggi-do Province in the south will make a stop at the underground area, once it is built,...transforming the area into a major transportation hub.
The city government hopes to complete the renovations by May 2021.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.