- Address: 329 Maehyang-dong, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Tel .: +82 31-290-3600
- Website: swcf.or.kr
- Foundation date: September 29, 1796.
- Founder: Chonjo
- Architect: Chon Yagyong
Hwaseong Fortress, also called Blossoming, is a building in South Korea , built in the city of Suwon , 30 km from Seoul . Initially, Hwaseong was built as the tomb of King Chonjo's father in the Joseon era. As a result, a fortification structure was built, built on the latest word of military technology of those times.
Building a fortress
King Jongjo built a powerful fortress as a tribute to his parent. The king's father, Prince Sado-gun, was starved by his own father, the ruler of Yongjo. His grave was surrounded by walls at 5 km 74 m.
After the strengthening of the fortress began: bastions, artillery towers and four gates were built. Construction of the fort began in 1794 and lasted only 2 years. 700 thousand hours of work, 870 thousand nannies (the currency of Korea of that time) were spent on all construction, and 1,5 thousand bags of rice were used as a payment for workers.
The fortress of Hwaseong in South Korea is a unique building for the 18th century. It not only defended the city, but was the basis of its own economy. Found documents proving that King Chonjo planned to make Suvon the capital of the state. To improve the growth of the city's economy, he freed residents from taxes for more than 10 years.
Features of architecture
The architectural style of the Hwaseong fortress combines traditional eastern and western styles, and this makes the fort not resemble the standard Korean buildings. The uniqueness of the creation of the 18th century is as follows:
- The Hwaseong Gate. The fortress has 4 entrances:
- the western gate is Hwasomun;
- northern - Chananmun;
- southern - Phalthalmun;
- eastern - Chhanenmun.
Phalthalmun and Cananamun - the largest gate of the fortress, they are an exact replica of the Seoul - Namdaemun . During the Korean War, the gates of Pkhaltalmun were damaged, but in 1975 they were restored. The gates of the south and north are crowned by 2-storey wooden pavilions, while Chhanenmun and Hwasomun, in turn, are one-story. They are all surrounded by small fortresses, where the guard lived. - Military buildings. At first there were 48 of them, but 7 were destroyed as a result of wars, fires and floods. By now, 4 secret entrances, 4 posts, 2 observation towers, 3 command posts, 5 gun bastions, 4 corners, 5 sentries and 1 signal tower, 9 bastions have been preserved.
- Signal tower. Once upon a time, the residents of the city recognized various information. It happened this way:
- smoke comes from one tube - a sign that everything is quiet;
- from two pipes - an enemy was found;
- out of three - the attack of the enemy;
- of four - the enemy in the fortress;
- out of five pipes - a battle inside the walls.
- Walls. Of all four, one is now destroyed - the southern one, the rest have been preserved in good condition. The length of all the walls of Hwaseong is 5 km and 74 m. During the reign of the Joseon Dynasty, 130 hectares of land were protected from the wall and were 4 to 6 m high.
- Military tricks. For the power of the walls during the construction, special bricks were used. They are called Chondol and Soksha. The walls have small holes used for firearms. Also through them it was possible to defend themselves against long spears and arrows.
Reconstruction of the fortress
For three centuries, the fortress of Hwaseong survived a lot of destruction. In the Korean War, some of its parts were damaged so much that they were not even restored. The complete reconstruction of Hwaseong was carried out between 1975 and 1979. In December 1997 the fortress was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Numerous pinnacles, bridges and other architectural delights make one look at Hwaseong not only as a fort, but also as an unusual and amazing city behind a secure wall. All buildings are interesting in their own way, and together they form a perfect and harmonious ensemble.
Information for tourists
When planning a walk through the fortress of Hwaseong, consider that its area is large, and the tour can take several hours. In addition to the walk, you can take part in other interesting events:
- Archery. Tourists get acquainted with the traditional Korean martial art and its basic rules. Shooting is conducted daily from 9:30 and every 30 minutes. The age of participants is from 7 years, the cost of 10 arrows is $ 1.73.
- Flight in a hot air balloon. The event is held near Chhanenmong Gate. The cost for adults is $ 15.61, children and schoolchildren - from $ 13.01 to $ 14.75.
- A trip on the Hwaseong train , made in the form of a palanquin from the era of the Joseon Dynasty kings. Its route includes all the gates, Hwaseong Palace, the market and the museum. The cost of travel for adults is $ 2.60, for students $ 1.39, for children $ 0.87. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 16:30. In the event of precipitation, the event is not carried out.
Features of visit
Hwaseong Fortress is open daily and operates in this mode: March - October from 9:00 to 18:00, November - February from 9:00 to 17:00. Cost of entry:
- adults - $ 0.87, adolescents - $ 0.61, children - $ 0.43;
- group visit (at least 20 people): adults - $ 0.61, adolescents - $ 0.43, children - $ 0.26;
- every first Monday of the month in the museum is a day off;
- parking for a fee, for 3 hours - $ 1.73.
How to get to Hwaseong Fortress?
The fort is located on Maehyang-dong Street. To get there, take the metro and bus. Routes:
- free by bus from Jeondae railway station, exit # 4. Flights by bus: at 10:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:00;
- metro station in Seoul from Gangnam station, take bus number 2, 7, 7-2, 8, 13 to Everland station.