Hongjimun Gate is the main gate of Tangchundaeseong Fortress, built in 1719 during King Sukjong’s reign. It served as a key defensive structure linking the Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong) with Bukhansanseong, strengthening the capital’s fortifications.
Situated on the northern side of Hanseong, the name of Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty, Hongjimun was also called Hanbukmun.
History of Hongjimun Gate
King Sukjong (1661–1720), the 19th king of the Joseon Dynasty, ordered the construction of Hongjimun Gate in 1719 during the 44th year of his reign (1674–1720).
Historians believe King Sukjong wrote and hung the plaque inscribed with ‘Hongjimun’ on the gate.
Many considered Hongjimun the northern gate of Hanyangdoseong due to its location. Though Sukjeongmun was the actual north gate, it was often closed, making Hongjimun the de facto alternative.
Hongjimun remained in good condition through the late Joseon Dynasty but was destroyed by a flood in 1921 and left abandoned for over 50 years. The Seoul Metropolitan Government restored it in 1977, along with part of Tangchundaeseong.
Architectural Features
Hongjimun Gate features a single-story gatehouse with a granite stone base and an arched doorway. The gatehouse has six sections, three in the front and two on the sides.
It has a Ujinkak-style roof, which slopes down on all four sides. The roof’s ridge (yongmaru) and eaves (naerimaru) have a polished look, decorated with small ornamental carvings and figurines believed to protect the structure from bad luck. A special decorative piece (toosu) sits at the end of the eaves.
Below the roof is a brick wall that encircles the gatehouse (tongyeojang). Directly below, drainage channels (seoknujo) help drain rainwater during heavy rainfall.
Ogansu Gate
Hongjecheon Stream flows beside Hongjimun Gate. Connected to it is Ogansu, a water gate that lets water pass through while preserving the fortress’s defense. Its history is similar to that of Hongjimun.
The granite stone base has five rainbow-shaped openings (hongye) that serve as water outlets. Above them, eight structures (yeojang) extend outward, each with three openings. A decorative element called seosu sits at the center of the openings.
The entire water gate stands 5.23 meters (17.2 feet) tall, 26.72 meters (87.7 feet) long, and 6.8 meters (22.3 feet) wide. The water outlet is 3.76 meters (12.3 feet) wide and 2.78 meters (9.1 feet) high.
In the summer of 1921, a flood caused the gate to collapse. At the time, the gate’s arches featured iron gates. As debris rushed down the river during the flood and got trapped in the iron gates, the force caused the structure to fail.
Tangchundaeseong Fortress
Tangchundaeseong is a fortress built to connect the Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong) to the east and Bukhansanseong Fortress to the north. Tangchundaeseong enabled the three fortresses to operate as one capital defense system.
Tangchundaeseong gets its name from Tangchundae, a pavilion near Segeomjeong. The name means “to passionately enjoy spring.”
During King Yeonsangun’s reign (1495-1506), the area was the site of extravagant banquets. Here, the king built the Tangchunjeong Pavilion for his lavish gatherings. Although the pavilion eventually disappeared, the name Tangchundae endured and influenced the naming of the fortress.
After the Imjin War (1592–1598) and the Manchu Invasions (1627 and 1636–1637), the need for mountain fortresses became evident due to defensive weaknesses. Many kings attempted to build a new fortress but failed.
In 1718, during the 44th year of King Sukjong, construction on Tangchundaeseong began. Workers completed the fortress in 1719.
The government of Seoul designated Tangchundaeseong Fortress Seoul Metropolitan City Registered Tangible Cultural Property No. 33 in 1976. In 2024, they designated it as a Nationally Designated Cultural Heritage Site.
Today, the site is an important cultural asset for understanding the capital’s defense system during the late Joseon Dynasty.
Inwangsan Mountain Trail
One of the best ways to get a close-up view of Tangchundaeseong Fortress, and amazing views of Seoul, is by hiking part of the Inwangsan Mountain Trail. You can find the trailhead directly across Segeomjeong-ro from Hongjimun Gate.
You’ll get an up-close view of the fortress just a few steps up the stairs. From here, the fortress runs along the trail. You can hike for as long as you want or continue for about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) to reach Inwangsan Mountain and the Seoul City Wall (Hanyangdoseong. Some parts are pretty steep, so be careful if you’re hiking in winter.
Hongjimun Gate and Tangchundaeseong Fortress Information
Hours
24 hours
Admission
Free
Address
212 Segeomjeong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
GPS Coordinates: 37.59879, 126.95660
Hongjimun Gate and Tangchundaeseong Fortress Video
Map
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Book Recommendations
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Last Updated on Mar 19, 2025