Hwaseong | ||||||||||||||||
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Hwaseong fortress was built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1910). King Chungjo wanted to build a new
capital at the base of Paldal-san, near Hwa-san (where his father's tomb is located). The plan for building
fortress was designed by Dasan Chong Yag-young. It is called Yukyoung (willow leaf city) because the
fortress shape resembled a spring willow leaf. Construction of the fortress cost 800,000 ryang (1
ryang = 37.3 grams) of gold and took 700,000 workers almost 2 years to construct during 1794-96.
The fortress was built using the best of eastern and Western methods, combining mud and stone fortifications.
The total circumference of the fortress exceeded 5.5 kilometers and included 4 main gates,
observation towers,
command posts, sentry towers, beacon towers, and
floodgates. The design incorporated many defensive and
offensive features, including arrow launching platforms, embrasured firearms bastions, angled towers, secret
gates, and gateguard platforms. The fortress originally guarded the entire city. These days, however, Suwon has
expanded well beyond the old fortress on all sides.
The fortress suffered serious damage and many sections were burned during the Japanese colonial period (1910-45)
and the Korean War (1950-53). Between 1975-79, the Korean government spent 32 billion won to reconstruct the
fortress and restore it to its original state. Great care has been taken to maintain the grounds around the
fortress. Volunteers in period clothing can be found all over the fortress, recreating roles of guards and
protectors of the fortress. In 1997, Hwaseong was selected as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO
because of its high technical scientific distinction as an early modern military structure.The entire fortress has been designated Historical Site #3. The area also contains many individual cultural relics and treasures.
Paldalmun (South Gate)Paldal Gate, the South Gate (designated Treasure #402), is one of the four main gates of the fortress. The design of the gate is identical to Namdaemun and Dongdaemun in Seoul. Stones were laid in the shape of an arch for the main gate. A smaller circular wall formed a small courtyard in front of the gate. 
Hwaseomun (West Gate)Hwaseomun is Hwaseong's West Gate (designated Treasure #403). A half-moon shaped wall was built in front of the gate to give further protection. This prevented armies from attacking the gate straight on. The road tunnel on the south side of the gate is a modern addition to facilitate vehicle traffic.
Daily Bell TollingThe Bell of the Filial Piety Garden (at the top of Paldal-san) rings each day between 10:00-18:00 on the hour. Each of the three tolls each hour represent different wishes: 1) for gratitude and respect for ones parents 2) for ones family's health and happines 3) for ones realization of dreams 
Hwahongmun (North Floodgate)The fortress was originally built with 2 floodgates, one on the north side on one to the south. Nowadays, only Hwahongmun remains in the north. It has 7 arches through which water can flow. With a heavy current, the spray caused from the cascading water creates one of the 8 magnificent views of Suwon. Hours: Summer - 09:00 ~ 18:00 / Winter - 09:00 ~ 17:00 Admission: Adults: 1,000 won (Groups: 700 won) Youths, Soldiers: 700 won (Groups: 500 won) Children: 500 won (Groups: 300 won) * Group: 30 people or more Directions: Gyeongbu Expressway, Suwon Interchange -> National Road #42 -> Suwon City Hall
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