Hwaseong Fortress [UNESCO World Heritage]

Introduction

Hwaseong Fortress is the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, from the latter days of the Joseon Period (1392-1910). Construction began on the fortress began in 1794 and finished in 1796. It was built to show the King’s filial piety toward his father Jangheonseja, and also to build a new city with its own economic power. The fortress wall is 5.52km long and it has a great variety of military facilities you cannot find at other fortress. At the top of the fortress wall, Yeojang was stacked up to stand guard over the enemy. There are four gates in each direction: the north gate called Janganmun, the south gate called Paldalmun, the east gate, Changryongmun, and the west gate, Hwaseomun. A stream passes by the fortress, and where the water meets the fortress, they built Sumun gates. There are seven arch-style Sumuns, and above it a pavilion called Hwahongmun. Hwaseong Fortress was constructed under the guidance of Yu Hyeong-Won (1622~1673) and Jeong Yak-Yong (1762~1836), and it is evaluated that its fortress wall was built very scientifically. The fortress wall was built using Seokjae and Jeondol (bricks), and the holes, through which you can be defended from arrows and long spears, were also used to fire guns. Jeong Yak-Yong invented Geojunggi, which uses a hwalcha (lever) to lift up heavy stones, and it greatly reduced the construction time. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress went through many turbulent times and damage, and in the battle of June 25, many of the facilities became so damaged that they were just left that way. The fortress restoration initiative started in 1975, and finished in 1979. But from Paldalmun to Dongnamgakru, a space of 491 meters, has still not been renovated. The fortress was designated as Historical Monument No. 3 in January 1963, and in December 1997, it was designated on UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Site.

Closed

Every Monday

Activity Information

Traditional Archery Activity 5 arrows = 1,000won (additional 5 arrows = 1,000won / max 20 arrows)

Operating Hours

Summer season 09:00 - 18:00 Winter season 09:00 - 17:00

Admission Fees

Individual - Adults 1,000 won / Youth 700 won / Children 500 won Group (over 30 people) - Adults 700 won / Youth 500 won / Children 300 won ※ Credit card accepted

Facilities for the Handicapped

Disabled parking lot and toilet

Local Transportation

1.Across from Suwon station (Seoul Subway Line 1), take city bus No. 2, 7, 7-2, 8, or 13 and get off at Jongno 4-geori (intersection). Walk 5 min. 2.Bus: 1)Suwon~Chamsil: Take bus No. 1007 from Suwon subway station, Whaseo-mun,Kyunggi province police agency, Suseo subway station,Chamsil subway station, Seokchon subway station, Garak market and get off at Jongno. 2)Suwon~Kangnam,Yangjae: Take bus No.3000 from Suwon subway station, paldal-mun, Jangan-mun, Hanil town, Pajang-dong, Yangjae subway station, Kangnam subway station and get off at Jongno.

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