Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress is a walled complex in Suwon with stone and brick defenses that run for several kilometers, featuring multiple gates, watchtowers, and military buildings along its perimeter. The layout follows a clear geometric design with defensive elements spaced at regular intervals.

A king of the Joseon Dynasty ordered this fortress built in the 1790s to honor and protect his father's burial place. The structure suffered damage during war but was later restored using original construction documents that guided the reconstruction.

The fortress shows how Korean builders mixed local design traditions with advanced military techniques from both East and West in the 1700s. You can see this blend in the different gates and structures that line the walls.

The complex has several walking paths and information signs in different languages to guide your visit. Guided tours run regularly from the main entrance and provide a structured way to explore the site.

A detailed building manual from the original construction period survived the war years and allowed workers to restore the damaged fortress with great precision. This historical document is a rare example of technical planning from that era that made an authentic reconstruction possible.

Location: Suwon

Website: https://swcf.or.kr/english

GPS coordinates: 37.28073,127.01020

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:29