The Seoul city government's initiative to build a 'Garden of Gratitude' in Gwanghwamun Square has been marred by controversy since its inception. Originally proposed as a 100-meter tall Taegeukgi flagpole, the project faced heavy criticism for its nationalistic symbolism. After adjusting the plan to the 'Garden of Gratitude' to commemorate 22 countries that participated in the Korean War, new issues arose regarding the appropriateness of a salute-shaped structure in a space meant to symbolize democracy and peace. Despite concerns raised by officials, including Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit last year, the city continued its construction plans.

Recently, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport conducted an investigation into the project, discovering significant procedural oversights. According to the ministry, the installation of the salute-shaped structures on the ground violated urban planning regulations, which require changes to the planned facilities to be officially documented. Furthermore, the underground exhibition space is considered a separate facility that requires special permits, which the city had not secured. As a result, the ministry issued a pre-notification to the city of Seoul for a possible suspension of the construction.

The total budget for the 'Garden of Gratitude' project exceeds 20 billion won, with about half of the project already completed. The ongoing disputes highlight the tensions between commemorating a historical event and the necessity of adhering to urban planning laws. This situation presents a critical case study on the complexities of national identity, public space utilization, and governance as the Seoul city government navigates through public sentiment and legal frameworks in its efforts to honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the Korean War.