Anneyong Chingus

Ever watched a k-drama or noticed some iconic statue in the frame and say "I wonder the story behind that"?, Well, I have. Statues are used all over the world to preserve history by sealing it in concrete, steel and a cool backstory.

South Korea is known for its 2059 technology, rich culture and beautiful landmarks, however, it is also home to a number of beautiful statues that represent its history, cultural evolution and artistic prowess from hundreds and thousands of years in the past. If you didn't get it, South Korean has beautiful statues and people travel all over the world to see them. Remember, they are not just art but stories frozen in time.

Let's take a look at some of the most famous statues that draw tourists and inspire locals throughout South Korea.

King Sejong Statue

Standing proudly over 6 meters in the heart of Gwanghwamun Square, the bronze statue of King Sejong the Great is a must-visit landmark in Seoul. King Sejong (1397-1450) is one of Korea’s most revered historical figures, who ruled as the fourth King of the Joseon dynasty and best known for his invention of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. I would like to find out who invented the English alphabet too, gotta let out a little steam on phrases and clauses.

The statue was carved by Kim Yeong-won, a carving and modeling professor at Yongsik University, and was unveiled in 2009 on World Hangeul Day. The statue reveals King Sejong seated with one hand raised and the other holding an open book. The Hangeul alphabet characters are also carved at the sides of the statues and in front are small models of other inventions created by King Sejong such as a celestial globe, a rain gauge, and a sundial.

Beside the statue is a small museum called "Sejong Story" dedicated to the memory and achievements of King Sejong. Till today, The King Sejong statue is a symbol of Korea’s cultural pride and intellectual heritage.

The Admiral Yi Sun-Sin Statue

This statue is no stranger to the big screen as it is one of South Korea's most popular landmarks. Admiral Yin Sun-Sin's statue is located in Gwanghwamun Square not far from King Sejong's statue. It seems like Gwanghwamun Square is the VVIP for statues in South Korea.

This 17-metre Statue was created in honour of the legendary naval commander Admiral Yin Sun who led Korea to victory in the 16th century against the Japanese navy. The statue features Admiral Yi in armor, standing and holding a sword in his right hand. A miniature turtle ship, a historic Korean war vessel commanded by Yi Sun-sin during his reign, is also in front of the statue with two models of war drums by the side.

Next to this beautiful effigy is a water named the 12.23 Fountain. According to research, it was named to commemorate the 23 battles Admiral Yi fought with 12 warships when he led Koreans to victory during the Japanese invasion.

A museum is also located underneath the statue for tourists and visitors who are curious to learn more about the resilient and superhero Admiral.

Haetae Statues

The Haetae statues are a distinctive part of Korean culture and folklore. They are mostly found at historical sites, the most famous being the popular Gyeongbokgung Palace which was built in 1395.

The Haetae is a mythical creature that resembles a lion (often called unicorn lion in English) and is regarded as a guardian against fire and evil spirits. A Lion is definitely not on my list of things to use against a fire but who needs a firefighter when you've got an Haetae statue in your front yard? It's said that they bring good fortune and protection to houses that have them; this is why they are a symbol of safety and security in Korea.

Their detailed carved manes and fierce expressions however, have been proven to fascinate locals and tourists around the world who visit South Korea to get a glimpse and probably some pictures with the legendary statues of protection and good luck showcasing the beauty of Korea's art and folklore.

The Statue of Peace

The Statue of Peace, also known as the Sonyeosang or Comfort Woman statue, is a touching and significant monument in South Korea. It was created by artists Kim Seo-Kyung and Kim Eun-Sung in 2011 and is dedicated to the Korean women who were forced into sexual slavery and became comfort girls for the Japanese military during World War II.

The statue was erected in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul and depicts a young girl sitting on a chair with a bird on her shoulder. Due to its significance as a memorial to the victims and a constant reminder of Korea's painful past and call for justice, replicas have been placed across South Korea and even in other parts of the world as a reminder of the painful past and a call for justice.

According to research, the Japanese government has made attempts and appealed to South Korea to remove the statue from their embassy, but South Korea remained adamant as the statue stands as a memorial and reminder of events that should forever be remembered.

Dol Hareubang

Dol Hareubang which translates to "stone grandfather" are volcanic rock statues native to the beautiful Jejudo or Jeju Island. They are about 4 to 5 feet tall, with a distinctive appearance comprising of a round hat, bulging eyes, a large nose, and a gentle smile, looking like giant totems.

While the origin of these statues remains a deep and quite spooky mystery because no one literally knows who made them and apparently they keep popping up around the island, the Dol Hareubang represent the culture and history of Jeju. The locals consider them protectors of the island and believe they ward off evil spirits while bringing fertility and prosperity.

It is also believed that if a piece of the statue's nose is taken, ground into powder, and consumed, it cures infertility. They are found at various entrances to local sites on the island, cementing their status as a protection totem and remaining a mysterious work of art that both locals and foreigners love to see.

Cheomseongdae Tower

The Cheomseongdae Tower (which translates to star-gazing tower) while technically not a statue, but one of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories in Asia. There are some specifications that it could be the oldest in the world.

It was constructed in the 7th century in Seoraboel, the capital city of Silla, present-day Gyeongju. This relic of the ancient world is about 9ft tall and was used to observe the stars and predict seasons during ancient times. In 1962, it was designated as the country's 31st national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Statue of Buddha

It could be due to the fact that Buddhism is South Korea's major religion but this statue of Buddha is one of the most famous cultural and religious destinations in South Korea attracting thousands of tourists every year.

It is located at Seokguram Grotto, originally called Seokbulsa (or Stone Buddha Temple), dating back to 774 in the Capital Kingdom of Silla, now Gyeongju.

Imagine stepping into the grotto and seeing a huge Buddha seated on a Lotus throne in a crossed-legged meditative pose surrounded by fifteen panels of bodhisattvas, arhats, and ancient Indian gods in the rotunda, while accompanied by ten statues in niches along the rotunda wall. That's giving chaebol status on a whole new level.

It's however not always been this elegant as Seokguram Grotto has had to experience several intense restoration projects to protect the statue due to several environmental problems and damages that partially destroyed the hall where the statue is located.

The Buddha Statue of Seokguram Grotto remains one of the most iconic symbols of Korean Buddhist art and reflects the country’s deep spiritual roots, making it a significant pilgrimage destination for both Koreans and tourists.

To South Korea, statues are more than just works of art but portals into the soul of the nation. Each sand and stone tells a story that inspires, educates, and reminds us of the spirit and history of the Korean people. So, the next time you find yourself in South Korea, be sure to pay a visit to these iconic monuments and discover the stories they hold.