That Sentence Entered My Heart… The 35-Year-Old Gwanghwamun Sign

For 35 years, the Gwanghwamun Sign, a prominent public message board in Seoul, has offered solace and inspiration through carefully selected words. Installed on Kyobo Life Insurance buildings in Gwanghwamun, Gangnam, and Jeju, the sign is updated four times a year, reflecting the changing seasons and societal moods.

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A person's life comes.

Launched in January 1991, the sign's content has evolved significantly. It began with slogans aimed at economic revitalization but transformed into a source of comfort and encouragement following the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Since then, it has featured verses from renowned poets like Jeong Hyun-jong and Jang Seok-ju, as well as lyrics from musicians and even K-pop groups like BTS, adapting to contemporary culture.

The messages displayed on the sign have resonated deeply with the public, often described as providing strength, soothing sorrow, and helping people organize their thoughts. This impact is reflected in the success of accompanying books, such as 'Reading, Walking, Feeling in Gwanghwamun,' which has sold over 103,000 copies, far exceeding the typical benchmark for bestsellers in South Korea.

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There is no way persimmons turn red on their own. There are several typhoons, thunders, and lightning bolts inside them.

Kyobo Life Insurance, through its publishing division, has continued to curate meaningful content for the sign. The selection process involves public submissions, recommendations from a committee, and careful consideration of relevance and ease of understanding, especially for drivers who might glimpse the messages while commuting. The sign's design has also evolved, incorporating seasonal photographs, illustrations, and calligraphy.

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The sign gives strength, soothes sadness, and helps organize one's thoughts for the day.

Despite occasional controversies, such as a past depiction of a fisherman with a whale that drew environmentalist protests, the Gwanghwamun Sign remains a cherished cultural landmark. Its enduring presence and ability to connect with the public through poignant words underscore its significance as a unique public art and communication platform.

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The sign feels like it remembers me and reaches out.