King Sejong of Korea ruling over part of Odori Koen as he sits to the left of the Kwanghwamun Gate.

The fourth King of the dynasty, King Sejong the Great, Yi Do (1397-1450) is famous for having publicized the Korean alphabet "Hangeul" and accomplishing remarkable services in many fields of economy, science and culture etc. He is loved and respected by the Korean people as the most brilliant and competent monarch in Korean history.

The King Sejong award has been established by UNESCO. Improved air links and the awareness created by the joint hosting by Korea and Japan of the 2002 FIFA World Cup (soccer) increased Sapporo residents interest in Korean culture and led to an increase in the number of "Korean" themed sculptures during the 2002 event.

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