The Hwasung Fortress in Suwon was ordered to be constructed in 1794 and completed in 1796 by King Chongjo the Great (reign 1776~1800) in the Chosun Dynasty. The Hwasun is a 3.2 miles (5.4km) fortress made of stone reaching from Mt. Paldalsan to the west. There is a small mountain in the east and a stream flows from north to south in between the eastern and western hillside.    And also there are 4 gates in the fortress, on the east, west, south and north sides. Chananmun gate is located to the north toward Seoul. Paldalmun gate toward the south and Changnyongmun and Hwasomun gate to the east and west respectively. In the Changanmun gate, there are arched Hongyemun gate is the center of a stepped stone wall and a two-story gorgeous pavilion on top of it, with a semicircular wall in front of the gate. There is also a sluice gate in the south and north which allows the stream to flow beneath the walls and through the fortress.  The floodgate in the north was built on the beautiful pond called Yongyon, and has a Hwahongmun pavilion on the tip of seven arched gates. The Panghwasuryujong Pavilion, located east of the Hwa hongmun, exemplifies the sophisticated and exquisite architecture used in constructing the pavilion to harmonize with neghboring scenery on the Chosun Dynasty. There are also other points of interest, such as Sujangdae, the west command post for soldiers overlooking the city on the top of Mt. Paldalsan; Kongshimdon, a large circular observation tower; Pongdon, a beacon mound where soldiers sent smoke signals to the central office of the fortress to indicate movements outside the castle; and Ammun, a secret gate in a secluded spot hidden from enemies, allowing people and livestock to pass. * UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE, 1997 |