Suwon Fortress, officially known as Hwaseong Fortress, is a renowned late-Joseon Dynasty fortification located in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Hwaseong Fortress was constructed between 1794 and 1796 under the reign of King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Dynasty. The fortress was built as part of King Jeongjo’s plan to honor his father, Crown Prince Sado, by relocating his tomb to Suwon.
History and Background of Hwaseong Fortress
The construction of Hwaseong Fortress was deeply rooted in King Jeongjo’s filial piety and political ambition. After moving his father’s tomb from Yangju to a favorable site in Suwon, King Jeongjo initiated the building of a new city and fortress around it. Hwaseong Fortress was not only designed for military defense but also embodied the ideals of practical learning (Silhak) and advanced scientific technology of the late Joseon period.
Unique Architectural Features
Hwaseong Fortress is celebrated as a masterpiece that blends Eastern and Western fortress construction techniques. Built as a “pyeongsanseong” (a fortress that combines flatland and mountainous terrain), the walls stretch for approximately 5,744 meters and enclose an area of about 130 hectares. The construction utilized innovative machines such as the “geojunggi” (a type of crane invented by Jeong Yak-yong) and a combination of bricks and stones, making Hwaseong one of the most scientifically advanced and practical fortresses in East Asia.
Major Structures and Cultural Heritage
Within Hwaseong Fortress, there are four main gates—Janganmun, Paldalmun, Hwaseomun, and Changnyongmun—along with watchtowers, secret gates, command posts, and 49 other defensive and observational facilities. Notable structures such as Paldalmun (Treasure No. 402), Hwaseomun (Treasure No. 403), Seobuk Gongsimdon (Treasure No. 1710), and Banghwasuryujeong (Treasure No. 1709) have been designated as national treasures.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Hwaseong Fortress served as both a military stronghold and a center for commerce and administration, making it a valuable example of late Joseon urban planning. The fortress and its surrounding infrastructure, including major roads and the Suwoncheon stream, remain well-preserved. Hwaseong also played an important role in Korea’s modern history, including the March 1st Independence Movement.
Visitor Information and Highlights
Today, Hwaseong Fortress is Suwon’s most iconic tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy walking along the fortress walls, exploring the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, and admiring the scenic Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion. The site offers a unique opportunity to experience the architectural beauty, urban planning, and King Jeongjo’s vision and filial piety firsthand.
> Hwaseong Fortress is a world-class cultural heritage site that encapsulates the advanced architectural techniques, filial piety, and practical philosophy of the Joseon Dynasty. It stands as a must-visit historical destination, representing the very best of Korea’s rich cultural legacy.
