Attractions in Seoul_Mass Politics

On the first Saturday after President Yoon's abrupt and shocking declaration of Martial Law on December 2024, a tremendous number of Korean citizens gathered outside the National Assembly Building in Yeouido, Seoul. The mass gathering—estimated by police to exceed 150,000 participants—was timed to occur just before the parliamentary vote on the impeachment motion. The aim was to pressure lawmakers who were likely to vote against the motion by demonstrating the collective will of "the people" through their overwhelming presence spilling out into the streets.

Like the boulevards in front of the National Assembly Building during the mass rally for impeachment, Seoul is home to several public spaces that hold great significance for mass politics. For travelers, walking through these spaces—starting from Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, continuing to Gwanghwamun Plaza near Gyeongbokgung Palace, and ending at Marronnier Park near Hyehwa Subway Station—can be a novel experience. These places have historically served as platforms for Koreans to voice their demands, hosting a wide array of social actors: from queer activists and bereaved families of social disasters to participants in anti-government or democratic movements like the forementioned case. Even today, these spaces continue to be occupied for distinct and diverse purposes.

Meanwhile, ongoing practices of public place-making are reshaping Seoul’s urban landscape. One notable example is the way idol fandoms use expressive media, such as LED screen trucks or condolence wreaths, to transform ordinary urban spaces into sites of protest. For instance, the otherwise unremarkable pedestrian streets in front of SM Entertainment's headquarters in Seongsu-dong are sometimes turned into protest sites overstuffed with thousands of condolence wreaths, symbolizing fandoms’ grievances against the management company. Even though these spaces are filled not with people but with objects, and the protesting messages they convey differ from the democratic values traditionally championed in Korean rallies, the emergent place-making by the fandoms is no less vibrant than conventional demonstrations.

1. Seoul Plaza and Gwanghawmun Plaza

Located in the urban center of Seoul, Seoul Plaza and Gwanghawmun Plaza are the most symbolic places in Korean political history. Two plazas took on their current, fully developed forms in 2004 and 2009, respectively. However, even in earlier times when they were just referred to as the "streets in front of City Hall" or "the street in front of Gwanghwamun," these two spaces served as key sites for some of Korea's most significant historical moments, including the April 19 Revolution (1960) and the June Democratic Uprising (1980). With the development as a plaza, they now function even more actively as venues for large-scale rallies. On the other hand, being situated at the heart of the city, they are also focal points for various efforts to mitigate inconveniences such as traffic congestion caused by such gatherings.

Visiting the two squares on a weekend offers a fascinating glimpse into how contemporary Koreans engage in politics. Meanwhile, Gwanghwamun Square, located in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, was also a significant site during the Joseon dynasty. Exploring the statues and monuments that reflect this historical significance can provide a uniquely enriching experience.

- About Seoul Plaza: https://plaza.seoul.go.kr.

- About Gwanghawmun plaza: https://gwanghwamun.seoul.go.kr/ghm/main.do.

2. Uisadang-daero in front of the National Assembly Building

Yeouido, home to the National Assembly building, serves as Seoul's financial hub and is a popular destination for young couples, thanks to attractions like Hangang Park and its cherry blossom-lined streets. However, the area in front of the National Assembly is often bustling with protesters demanding specific decisions from the legislature or its members. Although it carries less symbolic weight compared to Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun Plaza, its proximity to lawmakers and its ample space for gatherings make it a frequent venue for large-scale demonstrations. The light green dome of the National Assembly building, visible even from a distance, leaves a striking impression.

3. Headquarters of entertainment companies

Seoul is also home to the headquarters of major entertainment companies that have produced globally renowned K-pop idols. As a result, when these companies are perceived to be mismanaging the artists their fans adore, Korean, or global idol fandoms often express their discontent by sending LED screen trucks or condolence wreaths to the company headquarter buildings. Thus, the areas in front of entertainment company headquarters are emerging as unexpected public spaces for ‘political’ expression in Korea. For travelers interested in exploring how contemporary fandoms interact with idols and what issues spark their outrage—including these unique protest methods—visiting the headquarters of SM Entertainment in Seongsu, HYBE in Yongsan, JYP Entertainment in Gangdong, and YG Entertainment in Hapjeong could provide a fascinating experience.