The Iconic Seoul Station Clock Tower: A Landmark of Meetings and Memories

The large clock installed at the entrance of the former Seoul Station (now known as 문화역서울 284) has long served as a popular meeting point and a significant landmark. Unveiled in 1925 with the opening of Gyeongseong Station, this clock not only indicated train schedules but also enforced the modern principle of punctuality.

Over 40 years ago, a news article reported on a case involving a blackmailer who attempted to extort money from a tenant by threatening her while her husband was working as a construction laborer in Saudi Arabia. The blackmailer, aware of her frequent outings, demanded 300,000 won, insisting, "I know your behavior is not good. Bring the money to the clock tower in front of Seoul Station." The clock tower's fame as a landmark made it a fitting choice for the meeting. The blackmailers were apprehended by police after the tenant reported the incident.

The Seoul Station clock tower has been a favored rendezvous spot, especially in an era before mobile phones and pagers. In the 1970s, newspapers frequently published notices for gatherings, such as alumni meetings, specifying the clock tower as the meeting point.

The clock was installed exactly 100 years ago, on October 15, 1925, at the entrance of Gyeongseong Station, which featured a total of 65 clocks within its premises. Since train schedules were crucial, all clocks were electric to ensure uniformity. Similar large clocks were also installed at Busan and Daegu stations, with the Gyeongseong Station clock quickly becoming a landmark.

The first street clock tower was established in 1901 at the two-story headquarters of the Hanseong Electric Company, which had three faces displaying the time. This company, founded by Americans Colbran and Bostwick, received permission from King Gojong in 1898 to install trams, lights, and telephones. The company opened tram lines connecting Seodaemun to Cheongnyangni and Jongno to Yongsan in 1899. Across the street from the Hanseong Electric Company was Bosingak, which rang its bell at noon and midnight until 1909, symbolizing a clash between the past and modernity.

The Hanseong Electric Company building was later used by various entities, including the Gas Electric Company and the Jongno Police Station, before being sold in 1936. Photographs from February 1936 suggest that the clock tower was removed during renovations.

In 1925, a large clock with a diameter of one meter was also installed at the Gyeongseong Post Office, located opposite the Shinsegae Department Store. This clock was designed to be visible at night, featuring four 50-watt bulbs.

The Gyeongseong Bumin Hall, which opened in December 1935, boasted the largest clock in Korea, measuring 4.4 meters in diameter, on its nine-story tower. After the liberation, this clock fell into disrepair and was dismantled. However, on August 28, 2023, the Seoul City Council unveiled a restored three-faced clock with self-illuminating features. Additionally, a 30-meter tall three-faced clock tower was erected at the Gyeongseong Sports Stadium (now Dongdaemun Design Plaza) in 1932.

In 1921, the Japanese government declared June 10 as 'Time Memorial Day' to promote punctuality and order among the populace, inspired by the historical 'Nugakje' ceremony, where Emperor Tenji installed a water clock in 671 AD. The colonial government in Korea launched campaigns to encourage timekeeping, including events in schools and public institutions. Despite the efforts of Japanese-language newspapers to promote these campaigns, Korean-language publications showed less enthusiasm. The presence of large clocks and clock towers in public buildings reflected the colonial authority's push for modern discipline and punctuality.