Hwaseong Fortress is a fortified wall surrounding the center of Suwon to honor Prince Sado, the father of King Jeongjo. In 1789, the remains of Prince Sado, who was sentenced to death by his own father King Jeongjo, were moved to this location. A fortress known as Hwaseong was ordered to be built to honor and protect the remains of Sado.
Construction began in January 1794 with the help of designer and architect Jeong Yak-yong. In September 1796, construction was complete. The project utilized new technological advancements in construction and was fully paid for by the government. In the end, it took over 700,000 man hours to complete.
Hwaseong consists of a defensive fortress and a wall that is 5.74 kilometers (3.57 miles) long and 4-6 meters (13-20 feet) high. At the time of construction, the wall surrounded and protected the center of Suwon. Access to the city was controlled by four main gates: Changnyongmun, Hwaseomun, Janganmun, and Paldalmun.
King Jeongjo also had other reasons to build the Hwaseong. He believed Suwon had potential to be a prosperous new capital. He tried to move the capital city from Seoul to Suwon, which in the end proved to be unsuccessful.
During the Korean War, Hwaseong was heavily damaged. Reconstruction was started in 1970s. Thanks to well kept construction records, Hwaseong was able to be restored to its original state. Since then, routine maintenance has occurred.
Hwaseong Fortress became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
Table of Contents
What to see at Hwaseong Fortress
Bongdon (Beacon Signals)
Bongdon, the beacon signals, were used by military to send messages around the fortress to other soldiers. There are a total of five similar chimneys that were used. During the day, smoke was used to transmit messages. At night, fire was used. When one was lit, it meant everything was normal and no attack is imminent. Two, an enemy was approaching the national border. Three, the enemy reached the national border. Four, an enemy crossed the national border. If all five were lit, the enemy was attacking. Similar beacons are located at Namsan Park in Seoul.
Bukammun (Northern Secret Gate)
Bukammun (Northern Secret Gate) is one of five secret gates found at Hwaseong Fortress. It is located in between Dongbukgangnu (Northeastern Angle Tower) and Gakgeondae. These stone structures were inconspicuous and hidden out of sight. They were also was used by people and animals and to bring war munitions into the fortress. Construction was completed on March 27, 1796.
Bukdongchi (Northeaster Turret)
Bukdongchi, the northeaster turret, is a section of the fortress that projects from the wall. It is located next to Bukdongjeokdae (Northeastern Gate Turret). A chi is a section of the fortress that projects from the wall. Chi refers to a pheasant bird who has the ability to use camouflage to hide from the enemy. These structures are placed along regular intervals along the wall of the fortress which were used to survey the surrounding area and attack unsuspecting enemy troops from above. There are a total of ten of these structures at Hwaseong. They are used for protection from invaders.
Bukdongjeokdae (Northeastern Gate Turret)
Bukdongjeokdae, the northeastern gate turret, is strategically located at the front of the fortress. It was intended to thwart enemies advancing towards the fortress wall. It is located near Janganmun Gate. The wall features narrow vertical openings, called embrasures. These openings allow archers to attack enemy invaders below without exposing themselves. A pair of these, known as jeokdaes, are located at both Janganmun Gate and Paldalmun Gate. The other jeokdae is Bukseojeokdae (Northwestern Gate Turret).
Bukporu (Northern Sentry Post)
Bukporu is the northern sentry post. A poru is a wooden structure built on top of square turret. The square turret is known as a chiseong. There are a total of five these structures at Hwaseong Fortress. All five are constructed of brick and are positioned on turrets that protrude beyond the fortress walls. This position allowed for easy attacks by artillery on enemies below. The location of the structure is between Janganmun Gate and Hwaseomun Gate. Construction was completed on February 20, 1795.
Bukseojeokdae (Northwestern Gate Turret)
Bukseojeokdae, the northwestern gate turret, is strategically located at the front of the fortress. Its purpose was to add protection to the fortress and stop enemies from advancing towards Janganmun Gate. The wall features narrow vertical openings, called embrasures. These openings allow archers to attack enemy invaders below without exposing themselves. A pair of these, known as jeokdaes, are located at both Janganmun Gate and Paldalmun Gate. The other jeokdae is Bukdongjeokdae (Northeastern Gate Turret).
Bukseoporu (Northwestern Sentry Post)
Bukseoporu is the northwestern sentry post. A gabled roof can be found on the interior while a hipped roof can be found on the exterior. Bukseoporu consists of a wooden structure built above a chiseong or square turret. There are five sentry posts at the Fortress. The posts are all constructed of brick and are positioned on turrets that protrude beyond the fortress walls. This position allowed for easy attacks by artillery on enemies below. The location of the sentry post is between Janganmun Gate and Hwaseomun Gate. Construction was completed on September 24, 1794.
Buksumun (Northern Floodgate)
Buksumun, the northern floodgate, is one of two floodgates that was constructed at Hwaseong Fortress. The other was Namsumun which was destroyed by a flood in July 1922. Flowing through the gate is Suwoncheon, a stream that runs north to south through Hwaseong Fortress. The stream is a tributary of the Hwanggujicheon, which empties into the Yellow Sea. Construction on the granite structure started on February 28, 1794. It was completed on January 13, 1795. The sign above reads “Hwahongmun,” which means “the rainbow of Hwaseong.” This is a reference to sight of mist created by water flowing under and through. The sight is considered to be one of the most stunning at Hwaseong Fortress. The structure also served as a bridge and for other defensive purposes. Cannons used to be located here in case of attack against invaders. Iron bars were also installed at each of the seven arches to prevent unauthorized access. Otherwire, invaders could easily make their way into the fortress undetected.
Changnyongmun Gate
Changnyongmun Gate, also known as Dongmun, is the eastern gate of Hwaseong. The name refers to the blue dragon of feng shui, which represents the east. Construction started on May 8, 1795 and was completed only five months later on October 17, 1795. The names of those who were involved with construction are carved into a polished granite wall to left of the structure. All other similar plaques at the fortress have been lost. It is unique that the outside encircling wall is open on one side. This feature is absent in both Janganmun Gate and Paldalmun Gate. The tower, a one story wooden pavilion above the granite base, was destroyed during the Korean War in the early 1950s. It was rebuilt in 1976.
Dongammun (Eastern Secret Gate)
Dongammun is the eastern secret gate or ammum. It was often used by people and animals and to bring war munitions into the fortress. The gate is located 140 meters (460 feet) west of Dongjangdae (Eastern Command Post). There are five of these hidden gates at Hwaseong Fortress. They are inconspicuous and hidden out of sight from the enemy. A brick structure can be found above with a rounded parapet which was used to defend from enemy attack. Construction was completed on March 25, 1796.
Dongbukgangnu (Northeastern Angle Tower)
Dongbukgangnu (Northeastern Angle Tower) is a unique and beautiful wooden pavilion also known as Banghwasuryujeong which means “pavilion chasing after flowers and floating along with willow branches.” When built, Dongbukgangnu was to be used as another command post guarded by troops scanning the area for enemies. Instead, it was often was used for feasts because of its beauty and wonderful views from all directions Being one of the highlights of Hwaseong Fortress, it has been designated a national treasure of South Korea. Construction was completed on October 19, 1794.
Dongbukgongsimdon (Northeastern Watchtower)
Dongbukgongsimdon is the northeastern watchtower. Its nickname is “Conch Shell Tower.” This watchtower was used by troops to survey the surrounding area for enemy movement and for any signs of attack. Construction was completed on July 19, 1796. When completed, it was the first of its kind at Hwaseong Fortress. Seobukgongsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower) is very similar and still exists today. The design features a large circular shape. The design makes it the one of the most fascinating structures at Hwaseong Fortress. These spiral stairs inside lead to the top floor of the tower.
Dongbuknodae (Northeastern Crossbow Tower)
Dongbuknodae, the northeastern crossbow tower, is a raised structure that was used by archers with crossbows to attack approaching enemies from all directions. The semi circular shaped structure faces the northeast and is guarded with parapet, or extended defensive wall. Its location allows for a full view of the surrounding area. There are two crossbow towers at the fortress. The other is Seonodae (Western Crossbow Tower). his stone structure is located between Changnyongmun Gate and Dongbukgongsimdon (Northeastern Watchtower).
Dongichi (Eastern Turret II)
Dongichi, the eastern turret II, is a chi or section of the fortress that projects from the wall. Chi refers to a pheasant bird who has the ability to use camouflage to hide from the enemy. These stone structures are placed along regular intervals along the wall which were used to attack unsuspecting enemy troops from above. There are a total of ten of these structures found along the walls of the fortress. The location of the turret is between Dongporu (Eastern Sentry Post) and Bongdon (Beacon Signals).
Dongilchi (Eastern Turret I)
Dongilchi is the eastern turret I. The location is between Dongilporu (Eastern Sentry Post I) and Bongdon (Beacon Signals). The structure is known as a chi which is a protected section of the fortress that projects from the wall. The name chi refers to a pheasant bird who has the ability to use camouflage to hide from the unsuspecting enemy. These simple stone structures are placed along regular intervals along the wall and were used to attack unsuspecting enemy troops from above. There are a total of ten found along the walls.
Dongilporu (Eastern Sentry Post I)
Dongilporu is the Eastern Sentry Post I
Dongiporu (Eastern Sentry Post II)
Dongiporu is the eastern sentry post II. On top of the square turret is a wooden structure known as a poru that features no front doors. The square turret below is known as a chiseong. There are five similar structures at Hwaseong Fortress. All are constructed of brick. They are strategically positioned on turrets that protrude beyond the fortress walls. This position allowed for easy attacks by artillery on enemies below. The location is on a vast level plain which was ideal for troops stationed here to defend Bongdon (Beacon Signals). Construction was completed on July 3, 1796.
Dongjangdae (Eastern Command Post)
Dongjangdae (Eastern Command Post) was defended by troops who observed the area for signs of enemies and also used as a training site for martial arts. This beautiful building is also known as Yeonmudae. Construction on Dongjangdae began on July 15, 1795. It was completed in just over a month on August 25, 1795. The post is located on the slope of a hill in the middle of low rising land. This allowed maximum visibility of the surrounding area by troops defending the fortress. There is one other command post at Hwaseong Fortress. The other is Seojangdae (Western Command Post).
Dongnamgangnu (Southeastern Pavilion)
Dongnamgangnu (Southeastern Pavilion) was built to defend Namsumun, the now destroyed floodgate. It was also used to defend Namgongsimdon, a strategic position where troops were stationed. The stone structure the pavilion is built on is a gangu. A gangu is an elevated position that allows for surveillance of a large area of the fortress. In times of peace, the Dongnamgangnu was used as a place of rest. During times of war, it was used as a command post by troops stationed in the area. There are a total of four gangu present at Hwaseong Fortress.
Dongporu (Eastern Sentry Post)
Dongporu is the eastern sentry post. The square turret below the wooden roofed structure is known as a chiseong. There are five brick sentry posts found along the fortress wall. All are positioned on turrets that extended beyond the fortress walls. This location allowed artillery to easily attack enemies below. The location is between Dongilchi (Eastern Turret I) and Dongichi (Eastern Turret II). Construction was completed on July 16, 1796.
Dongsamchi (Eastern Turret III)
Dongsamchi, the eastern turret III, is a chi or section of the fortress that projects from the wall for a better view of the surrounding area. Chi refers to a pheasant bird who has the ability to use camouflage to hide from the enemy. These strong structures are placed along regular intervals along the wall of the fortress which were used to attack unsuspecting enemy troops from above. There are a total of ten found at Hwaseong. It is located between Dongiporu (Eastern Sentry Post II) and Dongnamgangnu (Southeastern Pavilion).
Hwaseomun Gate
Hwaseomun Gate is the western gate of Hwaseong Fortress. Construction started on July 21, 1795 and was completed on January 8, 1796. The name of those who were involved with construction are inscribed on a plaque on a nearby stone wall. This is similar to the plaque found at Changnyongmun Gate. A single level tower with a wooden pavilion can be found above the mujigae. A mujigae is a stone rainbow door. A crescent wall, opened on one side, extends out which is different that the design of Paldalmun Gate. Over the years, the stone structure has been well preserved. It has been designated National Treasure Number 403.
Janganmun Gate
Janganmun Gate, meaning “capital city” and “welfare of the city”, is the northern and main gate Of Hwaseong Fortress. It is also known as Bungmun. Construction began on February 28, 1794. It was completed later that year on September 5, 1794. The tower, one of the biggest in Korea, is larger in scale than Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun Gate) in Seoul. It features a hipped roof and is very imposing. The semicircle shaped wall that surrounds the structure is known as an ongseong. An ongseong is a defensive outwork that means “jar fortress.”
Namchi (Southern Turret)
Namchi (Southern Turret) is a chi of section of the fortress that projects from the wall. Chi refers to a pheasant bird who has the ability to use camouflage to hide from the enemy. These structures are placed along regular intervals on the fortress wall. They were used to attack unsuspecting enemy troops from above. There are a total of ten turrets at Hwaseong. The location is between Paldalmun Gate and Namporu (Southern Sentry Post).
Namporu (Southern Sentry Post)
Namporu, the southern sentry post, is a wooden structure built on top of square turret. The wooden structure is known as a poru while the square turret is known as a chiseong. The sentry post is located between Paldalmun Gate and Seonamammun (Southwestern Secret Gate). There are five similar structures at Hwaseong Fortress. All are constructed of brick. They are positioned on turrets that protrude beyond the fortress walls. This position allowed for easy attacks by artillery on enemies below. The main purpose of this structure was to guard the area around Paldalmun Gate, Seonamgangnu, and the Yongdo (Passageway). Construction on the structure completed on July 9, 1796.
Paldalmun Gate
Paldalmun Gate, also known as Nammun, is located on the southern section of Hwaseong. It is surrounded by busy streets and shops in the middle of Suwon. Constructed began in 1794, during the reign of King Jeongjo. A plaque of the names of those who helped build the structure are located on the right wall. Surrounding one side is a crescent shaped wall known as an ongseong. This secondary wall adds protection to the main wall which was often attacked by enemies with logs. The passageway was purposely made wide enough to allow the king’s vehicles and horses to pass through. Luckily, during the Korean War it was not damaged. Since then, the roof has deteriorated and damage has been found on the walls. A full scale restoration project to repair and restore the roof began in September 2010. Paldalmun is National Treasure Number 402.
Seoammun (Western Secret Gate)
Seoammun (Western Secret Gate) is an ammum which is an inconspicuous and hidden out of sight from the enemy. It was used by people to bring weapons, ammunition, and even animals into the fortress. This hidden gate is located just south of Seojangdae (Western Command Post). There are in total five secret gates located inconspicuously at Hwaseong Fortress. Construction on Seoammun (Western Secret Gate) was completed on June 18, 1796.
Seobukgangnu (Northwestern Pavilion)
Seobukgangnu is the northwestern pavilion. The structure, known as a gangu, is located at an elevated position to allow surveillance of the surround area. In times of peace, Seobukgangnu was used as a place of rest. During times of war, it was used as a command post by troops stationed near Hwaseomun Gate. The first floor featured a floor heating system. This system was used by troops to keep them warm during the cold night duty. There are a total of four gangu present at Hwaseong Fortress.
Seobukgongsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower)
Seobukgongsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower) was used by troops at the fortress to survey the nearby area for enemy movement and for any signs of attack. It is located near Hwaseomun Gate. Construction was completed on March 10, 1796. Hwaseong was the first fortress to have this type of structure. There is one other remaining watchtower at the fortress. The other is Dongbukgongsimdon (Northeastern Watchtower). The structure was constructed with three levels. The lower level is made of stone. The upper level is made of brick layers. The middle layer is where troops would be located in times of attack or war. In July 1797, King Jeongjo visited and proudly claimed that Seobukgongsimdon was an architectural marvel. It has since been designated a national treasure of South Korea.
Seoilchi (Western Turret I)
Seoilchi is the western turret I. The location of the structure is between Seobukgangnu (Northwestern Pavilion) and Seoporu (Western Sentry Post). Seoilchi is also known as a chi which is a section of the fortress that projects from the wall. Chi means pheasant bird who has the ability to use camouflage to hide from the enemy. These structures, a total of ten in all, are placed along regular intervals along the wall of the fortress. They were successfully used to attack unsuspecting enemy troops from above.
Seojangdae (Western Command Post)
Seojangdae (Western Command Post), known as a jangdae, was defended by troops who observed the nearby area for any signs of enemies. Construction on the structure began on August 11, 1794 and was completed in just over a month on September 29, 1794. King Jeongjo personally wrote the sign that hangs above. In honor of his father, Jeongjo commanded troops from this location on February 12, 1795. Seojangdae (Western Command Post) has twice been destroyed by fire. Once in 1996 and then again in 2006 by an arsonist who caused 6 billion won ($6 million USD) in damage. Both times it was rebuilt and reconstructed. There is one other similar command post at Hwaseong Fortress. The other is Dongjangdae (Eastern Command Post).
Seonamammun (Southwestern Secret Gate)
Seonamammun (Southwestern Secret Gate), is also known as an ammum or secret gate. There are a total of five of these structures at Hwaseong Fortress. It is inconspicuously located below Seonamposa (Southwestern Sentry Station). The Yongdo (Passageway) leads from here to Seonamgangnu (Southwestern Pavilion). Seonamammun is the only gate which is equipped with a sentry post. Structures such as these were inconspicuous and hidden out of sight. They were often used by people to bring war munitions and animals into the fortress. Construction was completed on August 6, 1796.
Seonamgangnu (Southwestern Pavilion)
Seonamgangnu (Southwestern Pavilion), or Hwayangnu, is located at an elevated position that allows for surveillance of large areas of the fortress. This elevated feature is known as a gangnu. Construction started on April 16, 1796. It was completed three months later on July 20, 1796. The sign hanging above reads “Hwayangnu,” which literally means “the pavilion south of the mountains in Hwaseong.” In times of peace, the building was used as a place of rest. During times of war, it was used as a command post by troops stationed in the immediate area. Seonamgangnu is located at the end of Yongdo (Passageway) that runs along Mount Paldalsan. There are four gangnu present at Hwaseong Fortress.
Seonamposa (Southwestern Sentry Station)
Seonamposa (Southwestern Sentry Station) was used by troops to send warning signals to other troops around the fortress. It is located above Seonamammun, the Southwestern Secret Gate. If the area came under attack, troops from this location would send warning signals. These warnings signals were sent to the rest of the fortress by waving a flag or by firing a cannon. This beautifully painted structure is about 3.9 meters (12.7 feet) wide and has two panel wooden doors on all four sides.
Seonodae (Western Crossbow Tower)
Seonodae (Western Crossbow Tower) is a raised structure that was used by archers using crossbows to attack unsuspecting enemies from all directions below. It is located adjacent to Seojangdae (Western Command Post). The octagonal structure, built on the summit of Mount Paldalsan, is constructed of brick. Its location allows for a full view of the surrounding area. There are two similar towers at the fortress. The other is Dongbuknodae (Northeastern Crossbow Tower).
Seoporu (Western Sentry Post II)
Seoporu is the Western Sentry Post II
Seoporu (Western Sentry Post)
Seoporu is the western sentry post. This post features a wooden structure, known as a poru, built on top of square turret, known as a chiseong. It is located near Seojangdae (Western Command Post). All the posts are constructed of brick. They are positioned on turrets that protrude beyond the fortress walls which allowed for easy attacks by artillery on enemies below. There are five sentry posts found at the fortress. Construction was completed on May 30, 1796.
Seosamchi (Western Turret III)
Seosamchi is the western turret III. The structure is located between Seoporu (Western Sentry Post) and Seoammun (Western Secret Gate). Seosamchi is a turret and is a section of the fortress that projects from the wall. It is named after a bird who has the ability to use camouflage to hide from the enemy. These structures, ten in total, are placed along regular intervals along the walls of Hwaseong for better protection from invasions. They were used to attack unsuspecting enemy troops from above.
Yongdo (Passageway)
Yongdo is a passageway or spur that runs from Seonamammun (Southwestern Secret Gate) to Seonamgangnu (Southwestern Pavilion). Troops would use this pathway to patrol the area for enemies in the area. The path runs to the southwest of Hwaseong Fortress across Paldalsan, a hill above Paldalmun Gate. Suwon Station can be seen in the distance from the end of the path.
Yongdodongchi (Turret East Of Yongdo)
Yongdodongchi is the turret east of Yongdo. Yongdo is a passageway that was used by troops to patrol the area for enemies in the area. Yongdodongchi is a chi or section of the fortress that projects from the wall. A chi refers to a pheasant bird who has the ability to use camouflage to hide from the enemy. These turrets are placed along regular intervals along the wall of the fortress which were used to attack unsuspecting enemy troops from above. There are a total of ten of these found along the walls. The location of the structure on the east of a Yongdo (Passageway) that runs along Mount Paldalsan that was used for patrolling the nearby area.
Yongdoseochi (Turret West Of Yongdo)
Yongdoseochi is a turret west Of Yongdo. Yongdo is a passageway used by troops to watch for invaders. The path runs from Seonamammun (Southwestern Secret Gate) to Seonamgangnu (Southwestern Pavilion). A chi is a section of the fortress that projects from the wall. Chi refers to a pheasant bird who has the ability to use camouflage to hide from the enemy. These structures are placed along regular intervals along the wall of the fortress which were used to attack unsuspecting enemy troops from above. There are a total of ten found along the walls. The location lies to the west of a hidden passageway that runs along Mount Paldalsan that was used for patrolling the nearby area.
Last Updated on Jul 12, 2023