HWASEONG FORTRESS

The history of this fortress is very interesting. King Jeongjo had it built between 1794 and 1796 with the idea of moving the new capital to this place. It is more than 5 km long, about 9 m high and 370,000 men, including 18,000 craftsmen, worked together on its construction. It is a perfect representation of the apotheosis of the military architecture of the 18th century. Once housing the entire city, the fortress is dotted with defensive military installations. In addition, Korean techniques were mixed with Western techniques for its construction, demonstrating an exchange of knowledge between peoples. This is why the fortress is reminiscent of Western castles.

Observation towers, bastions, artillery towers... every corner of this fortress has its curiosities and attractions. First of all there are the 4 main gates which are located at the cardinal points: Paldalmun and Janganmun, respectively to the south and north, are the most fascinating. These are guard platforms, whose two-storey wooden structures are protected by a half-moon, made of stone and composed of loopholes and battlements. To the east and west are the Changnyongmun and Hwaseomun gates.

Other buildings include the Banghwasuruyjeong pavilion, which is located on the top of a hill in the east. It was a place of military command. It has the most original architecture because its roof offers different aspects depending on the angle from which one looks at it. One can also contemplate Dongbukgongsimdon, the largest observation tower of the fortress. Its rounded shape contains spiral staircases to reach the top. Hwaryangjeon Shrine was built in 1801 by King Sunjo in memory of his father, King Jeongjo, and his honourable filial piety.

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is the most visited complex. It was completely destroyed by the Japanese occupiers, then gradually restored and finally reopened to the public in 2003.

One can embark on board a "little train", whose design evokes the palanquins. It circulates through all the main points of the fortress and provides audio guides.

Its history, its characteristics are really captivating but its location is also very fascinating. It is quite representative of the whole of South Korea, of its way of marrying ancient legacies with ultra-modern landscapes.