ID :
73321
Sat, 08/01/2009 - 18:53
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/73321
The shortlink copeid
(EDITORIAL from the JoongAng Daily on Aug. 1) - Dong abuse our new plaza
Gwanghwamun Plaza will be open to the public starting today after 15 months of
construction. The opening of the plaza is significant even when compared to other
squares nearby such as Seoul Plaza and Cheonggye Plaza because Gwanghwamun
reflects more than 600 years of Seoul history.
Perhaps because of the symbolic significance of the new public space, the
builders have made certain it is also pleasing to the eye. The area has a statue
of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, one of the nation???s most respected figures; a beautiful
fountain; the Haechi Madang, an underground passage that connects the plaza to
Gwanghwamun Station; an artificial stream, and finally a statue of King Sejong
the Great of the Joseon Dynasty, which will be unveiled on Hangul Day in October.
Even more significantly, the streets around Gwanghwamun, which had been flooded
with cars, will be back for Seoulites to enjoy.
We must note one more thing, though: In order for Gwanghwamun Plaza to be truly
dedicated to the residents of Seoul, investing in architecture isn???t enough. In
order for the area to be developed as a plaza that we can be proud of both inside
and outside Korea, citizens should feel positively about it.
The Seoul city government recently said the purpose behind the construction of
the plaza was ???to focus on offering convenience and consideration to the
citizens.??? The plaza???s main facilities were constructed with the disabled and
elderly in mind.
Citizens using the plaza should be committed to protecting the area. It would be
a shame if some citizens happened to sprawl around the plaza drinking and singing
loudly or causing other trouble such as littering. If this happens, it would be
difficult to turn the area into one we could boast about overseas.
At times, the plaza will certainly be used for riots and protests, as Seoul Plaza
has been used. But we must all work together to make certain that illegal and
violent protests never sully its image.
This is crucial especially for Gwanghwamun Plaza, because the area can hold up to
70,000 people. Since the plaza is located near the government complex, the United
States Embassy and the Foreign Ministry, there is a high probability that some
activists will see it as prime demonstration real estate.
Prior to the plaza???s opening, the Seoul city government confirmed regulations
that allow it to enforce strict conditions on the use of the plaza in order to
maintain public order.
This is a natural move by the city to keep the plaza from turning into a violent
place, which is what happened to Seoul Plaza in May during the Hi Seoul Festival.
(END)
construction. The opening of the plaza is significant even when compared to other
squares nearby such as Seoul Plaza and Cheonggye Plaza because Gwanghwamun
reflects more than 600 years of Seoul history.
Perhaps because of the symbolic significance of the new public space, the
builders have made certain it is also pleasing to the eye. The area has a statue
of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, one of the nation???s most respected figures; a beautiful
fountain; the Haechi Madang, an underground passage that connects the plaza to
Gwanghwamun Station; an artificial stream, and finally a statue of King Sejong
the Great of the Joseon Dynasty, which will be unveiled on Hangul Day in October.
Even more significantly, the streets around Gwanghwamun, which had been flooded
with cars, will be back for Seoulites to enjoy.
We must note one more thing, though: In order for Gwanghwamun Plaza to be truly
dedicated to the residents of Seoul, investing in architecture isn???t enough. In
order for the area to be developed as a plaza that we can be proud of both inside
and outside Korea, citizens should feel positively about it.
The Seoul city government recently said the purpose behind the construction of
the plaza was ???to focus on offering convenience and consideration to the
citizens.??? The plaza???s main facilities were constructed with the disabled and
elderly in mind.
Citizens using the plaza should be committed to protecting the area. It would be
a shame if some citizens happened to sprawl around the plaza drinking and singing
loudly or causing other trouble such as littering. If this happens, it would be
difficult to turn the area into one we could boast about overseas.
At times, the plaza will certainly be used for riots and protests, as Seoul Plaza
has been used. But we must all work together to make certain that illegal and
violent protests never sully its image.
This is crucial especially for Gwanghwamun Plaza, because the area can hold up to
70,000 people. Since the plaza is located near the government complex, the United
States Embassy and the Foreign Ministry, there is a high probability that some
activists will see it as prime demonstration real estate.
Prior to the plaza???s opening, the Seoul city government confirmed regulations
that allow it to enforce strict conditions on the use of the plaza in order to
maintain public order.
This is a natural move by the city to keep the plaza from turning into a violent
place, which is what happened to Seoul Plaza in May during the Hi Seoul Festival.
(END)
