Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성)

Hwaseong Fortress is a fortification surrounding the old city center of Suwon. Considered as a masterpiece of Joseon architecture, and in recognition of its outstanding universal value, it was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.

In 1789, King Jeongjo (reign 1776 - 1800) of the Joseon dynasty decided to move the grave of his father, Prince Sado, from Yangju to Suwon. In order to accommodate the relocation of the former residents, King Jeongju commissioned the construction of the fortified city Hwaseong.

Hwaseong fortress is an enormous fortification that takes about 3 hours to walk around the perimeter. Within the fortress, the Temporary Palace contain very detailed displays and is very much worth visiting as well. I recommend this location for everyone from vacationers to expats like myself.

Check out my personal favorite photos below. Enjoy!

Northern front

Dongjangdae (Yeonmudae)

Primary command post where military operations would originate

Dongbukgangnu

(Banghwasuryujeong)

Pavilion used for relaxation

View of Dongbukpuro from Dongbukgangnu

Dongbukpuro (sentry post)

Close-up of Dongbukgangnu

Secret entrance near Dongbukgangnu

Buksumon Gate

Also called the floodgate or Hwahongmun

Northwestern front

Janganmun Gate

Hwaseomun Gate and Seobukgongsimdon (observation tower)

Western front

Seojangdae (Hwaseong Jangdae)

western command post

Bell of Hyowon

sticking the bell for good luck

Seonodae

crossbow platform

UNESCO world heritage sign

Southern front

Seonamammun

southern secret gate

Seonamammun

Southern secret gate

Path to Seonamgangnu (pavilion)

Paldulmun Gate

Eastern/southeastern front

Dongjangdae (yeonmudae)

Main command post of Suwon fortress

Dongbukgongsimdon

Observation tower, unique for round design

Changnyongmun

Southern gate

Bongdon

Beacon mound chimneys

Temporary Palace grounds

Center panel of artwork in front of Temporary Palace.

Display within Bongsudang

King Jeongju's mother being served tea.

Mirohanjeong

Resting pavilion built in the rear garden of the palace. King Jeongjo intended to spend his later days here after handing over the throne to his son in 1804.

Panel artwork on the entrance grounds in front of the Temporary Palace.

Image of the 60th birthday party celebration of King Jeongju's mother.

Bongsudang

Resting location for King Jeongju after arriving at Temporary Palace.

Display within Bongsudang

Preparations for a meeting

Naeposa

Built on the slope of Mt. Paldal in the rear garden of the palace.

Hwaryeongjeon shrine

Well behind Hyangdaecheong and Jeonsacheong (incense and food storage halls).

Portrait of King Jeongju.

Books and scripture written by the king are located to the left and right of the portrait.

Unhangak hall and Lancheon hall.

Portrait of King Jeongju is in Unhangak hall, while other portraits and books are temporary stored in the attached Lancheon hall.

Nangnamheon

Special banquet hall for royal parties. One of the few original structures left on the palace grounds

Temporary Palace grounds, southern region

Gyeongnyonggwan

Entrance gate to Jangnakdang hall. Name translates to "hall of the resplendent dragon".

Display inside Jangnakdang hall

General quarters for King Jeongju's mother.

Art display next to Bongnaedang, sleeping quarters of the king.

Southern garrison

One of two buildings for the King's royal guard

Jangnakdang hall

Built for the birthday celebration of King Jeonju's mother. Later Joseon kings used this hall as sleeping quarters. Name translates to "hall of long-lasting happiness"