Seoul Plaza is a lawn plaza in front of Seoul City Hall. It was the stage for historical events that marked a turning point in modern Korean history, such as the March 1st Movement and the June Democracy Movement, and served as a festival venue for citizens during the 2002 World Cup. Located in the heart of the city, the plaza is a place of national symbolism and historical significance, surrounded by diverse historical and cultural resources. It also has the conditions to form a representative image of Seoul, serving as a space for reading and various events in spring, summer, and autumn, and transforming into an ice skating rink in winter, sharing all four seasons with citizens. The history of Seoul Plaza dates back to 1897, when King Gojong returned to Deoksugung Palace, the private residence of Prince Wolsan, after taking refuge in the Russian legation. Upon ascending to the throne, King Gojong, to rebuild the nation's foundation, constructed radial roads centered around Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace and installed a plaza and Hwangudan (Wongudan) in front. From then on, the plaza in front of Daehanmun Gate became a major stage for citizens, from the Gojong protection protests, the March 1st Movement, the April 19th Revolution, protests against the Korea-Japan talks, to the June Democracy Movement. It is 91m from Exit 5 of City Hall Station on Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 2. Deoksugung Palace is across the street and Seoul Library is right next door, making them good places to visit together.