Seoul Finds Peace Again!

Seoul has finally regained its calm. After the Constitutional Court’s decision to remove the president from office, the once-chaotic public squares of the city have returned to peace. According to the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, even the president is not permitted to arbitrarily declare martial law or deploy the military without due process. Yet, despite such constitutional protections, partisan groups had taken to the streets, waving American flags and rallying against the impeachment, even advocating for martial law. Their actions were a major source of the unrest.

Now, Korea is slowly but surely restoring order. I wanted to capture and share this peaceful moment. The lanes once occupied by protesters have now been returned to their intended purpose: for cars.

At Gwanghwamun Square, the symbolic heart of Seoul, visitors gathered around the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin to take photos. Calling this place the "Times Square of Seoul" might not be an exaggeration — in the distance, a massive digital display lights up the far end of the square, rivaling the iconic screens of New York City.

Around the fountains, tourists pause to snap pictures or wait their turn to walk through the watery tunnel.

Taking advantage of the protesters' absence, the grand statue of King Sejong — another fixture of the square — appears to be preparing for its symbolic “bath.”

After the royal guard ceremony, the crosswalk in front of Gwanghwamun is noticeably quieter, with fewer cars passing by.

Standing watch before the gate, the Haetae statue remains, symbolically protecting Gyeongbokgung Palace from fire and misfortune flowing from Mount Gwanak in the distance.