![The Garden of Gratitude at Gwanghwamun Plaza in Jongno District, Seoul. [Photo provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/05/12/20260512104805762118.jpg)
SEOUL, May 12 (AJP) - A memorial garden dedicated to soldiers who died in the Korean War was opened to the public at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, a ceremony celebrating its completion was held, attended by war veterans and ambassadors from the 22 countries that sent troops and provided support during the 1950–53 Korean War.
According to the city government, the space dubbed the "Garden of Gratitude" aims to make the square, which draws about 27 million visitors a year, a place to reflect on the values of freedom and peace in daily life, and a symbolic space for South Korea's liberal democracy.
Construction began in November last year and wrapped up in about six months, despite a temporary halt over procedural issues and controversy surrounding its rifle-shaped sculptures.
The garden features a 6.25-meter-tall installation consisting of 23 rifle-shaped sculptures, which symbolize the dedication of countries that provided assistance during the war to defend freedom and peace.
Earlier in the day, a ceremony celebrating its completion was held, attended by war veterans and ambassadors from the 22 countries that sent troops and provided support during the 1950–53 Korean War.
According to the city government, the space dubbed the "Garden of Gratitude" aims to make the square, which draws about 27 million visitors a year, a place to reflect on the values of freedom and peace in daily life, and a symbolic space for South Korea's liberal democracy.
Construction began in November last year and wrapped up in about six months, despite a temporary halt over procedural issues and controversy surrounding its rifle-shaped sculptures.
The garden features a 6.25-meter-tall installation consisting of 23 rifle-shaped sculptures, which symbolize the dedication of countries that provided assistance during the war to defend freedom and peace.
![Inside Freedom Hall beneath the Garden of Gratitude at Gwanghwamun Plaza, including the Memorial Wall and Window of Connection. [Photo provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/05/12/20260512104850230565.jpg)
The garden also includes an underground exhibition hall for remembrance and reflection. A nighttime lighting show will run six times a day, every 30 minutes, with each session lasting 10 minutes and featuring lights projected from the 23 sculptures.
Guided tours of the garden will be offered starting Wednesday. They will also be available in English.
"The Garden of Gratitude will be more than a landmark in the capital as it will be a place of memory and connection that links the world and generations," said acting Seoul Mayor Kim Seong-ho.
He added that the city will continue to uphold the values of freedom and peace and fulfill its role and responsibilities as part of the international community in working toward a better world.
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