Gwanghwamun Gate

Sitting at the start of Gwanghwamun Square is Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gates opening up to the splendour of Gyeongbokgung Palace.  To the gate's east is a watchtower that still stands next to the arterial road that's been built beside it.

As you approach from the east towards the gate, there stands a large statue of a haechi, the legendary creature that was used to project law and order and offer protection to the city.

Looking back down south towards the square on a beautiful late summer's day.

Gwanghwamun in full splendour, the southern gate to Gyeongbokgung:

At the main gate, there are a several 'guards' dressed in traditional guard attire guarding the front gate.

A view of the gate from the backside:

Before continuing on to the main palace, I went into the museum on the west side of the palace and had a small mid-afternoon snack there.  Side dishes were pickles and kimchi along with a generous helping of seaweed salad with refreshing slices of watermelon on the side.