Paldalmun & Hwaryeongjeon Hwaseong Fortress was constructed as an act of filial devotion by Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty(1392-1910),
and to strengthen his power, eradicate party conflict, and fortify the southern area of the capital. Construction was started
along Mt. Paldalsan in January 1794 and completed in September 1796 under the supervision of Chae Jae-gong, a former
minister and the magistrate of Yeongjungchubu County.
During the construction, equipment such as the Geojunggi, a type of traditional Korean crane, and potters¡¯ wheels were
developed and applied to transport and assemble large stones.
The fortress suffered partial damage during Japanese colonial rule and the Korean War, but most of its original features
have been restored with the help of the Hwaseong Seongyeokuigwe, the construction archive published in 1801 after the
fortress was completed.
The fortress sprawls over both flat and hilly terrain, something seldom seen in neighboring China and Japan. It is designed
to serve political and commercial as well as military functions and is a fine example of Oriental fortresses.
Paldalmun
Paldalmun, which is designated as Treasure No. 402, is the south gate of the Hwaseong Fortress. The name means ¡°open
roads in every direction.¡±
The stone rainbow-style gate was wide enough for a king¡¯s visits accompanied by horses and sedan chairs, and above the gate a second-story structure was built. A low fence was erected around the upper story of the castle gate, a semi-circular castle called Ongseong was built outside the gate, and jeokdae, a gate guard platform, was constructed to repel enemies.
Hwaryeongjeon
Hwaryeongjeon, Historical Spot No. 115, is a Yeongjeon (a shrine where the portraits of kings are enshrined) for King Jeongjo and located next to Hwaseong Haenggung (temporary palace). It was built in 1801 on the orders of King Jeongjo.
Yeongjeon. Hwaryeongjeon was also considered a place where the spirit of King Jeongjo dwelt. This is a simple structure built by following the instructions of King Jeongjo.
The new town, Suwon, which was developed by King Jeongjo as planned, was greatly influenced by Silhak, a new type of education in the 18th century. Silhak was practical learning that could help improve the life of the people, agriculture, business, and science.
Thanks to equipment developed under the influence of Silhak, during construction of the Hwaseong Fortress labor and material costs were saved and the construction period was also significantly shortened.
• Information
Address: 14, Namchang-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Tel: (82-31) 290-3600 Fax:(82-31) 290-3520
Website: http://ehs.suwon.ne.kr
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