Korea Tour : Hwaseong Fortress 

Hwaseong Fortress, located in Suwon city, Gyeonggi-do is a living remnant of the nation’s proud history, representing the Joseon Dynasty of the 18th century. Built by King Jeongjo (Joseon’s 22nd king) in 1796 in an effort to make Suwon the second capital city and as an act of filial devotion to his father, Crown Prince Jangheon, he ordered the relocation of his father’s tomb, as well as many of the nation’s resources.

Map of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built with an entirely new method, making it unlike any other fortress in Korea. The construction methods used encompass the strong points of both Asian and Western elements together. In addition, the fortress was built in good harmony with the surrounding nature, implementing its geological advantage wisely for strategic defense rather than destroying it. The fortress is a symbol of both the ingenuity and technological advancements of the period. Thanks to this, in addition to the beautiful layout and dynamic defense facilities, UNESCO enlisted Hwaseong Fortress on the World’s Cultural Heritage List in 1997.

Paldalmun Gate is the southern gate of Hwaseong Fortress's four main gates. Designated National Treasure No. 402, it has maintained its original structure since the time of its first constuction. This gate is unique in that it is detached from the rest of the fortress wall. Being located in the middle of the busy city, the gate was encircled by a crescent-shaped ongseong to prevent the enemy from attacking the gate directly. Among all of the cultural relics of Hwaseong Fortress, none is as famous as Paldalmun Gate, which boasts a mesmerizing scene after sunset.

 

Paldalmun Gate

Seobuk Gongsimdon Tower is another structure designated as a national treasure. Made with bricks, it served as a major guard point, defending against attacks from the Hwaseomun direction. The walls feature arrow-slots, something found nowhere else in Korea, to give soldiers a sort of built-in shield as they shot firearms and canons through the holes.

Hwaseomun Gate

Hwaseomun Gate is the western gate of Hwaseong, which previously served as the major route connecting the center of Suwon with Namyangman Bay and the western coast. Designated National Treasure No. 403, this gate is also surrounded by an ongseong wall, though slightly different from the one that circles Paldalmun, being open on one side.