Seoul city withdraws plan to set up 100-meter Taegeukgi pole in Gwanghwamun Square

The Seoul city government on Thursday withdrew a plan to set up a 100-meter-high pole topped with Taegeukgi, the national flag, in Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul following criticism that the plan is grounded in excessive patriotism. Last month, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced the plan to set up the flagpole and a large brazier holding an "inextinguishable flame" in Gwanghwamun Square to create a special space that epitomizes national values and future visions. However, the project was met with fierce criticism from civil society and the political circle that it was a backward idea that portrayed excessive patriotism and the design was unfit for the space. The city government said it will review the plan from square one and collect various opinions from the public and experts in order to furbish a special space with a national emblem that reflects the "wishes and will of the people." "The essence of a national symbol place is to boost national pride," a city official said during a press briefing whil e vowing to leave all possibilities open during the opinion-gathering process. The city plans to create a channel to collect public opinion on ideas of a national emblem that commemorates the historical moments that led to the country's development while discussing the details of the design with an advisory body consisting of civic groups and experts. A design contest will be held from August through November with the goal to begin construction in May and complete it by December next year, city officials said. Source: Yonhap News Agency