Heunginjimun, City gate in Seoul, South Korea
Heunginjimun is the eastern gate of Seoul, consisting of a granite archway supporting a two-story wooden pavilion with five front sections and two side sections. The stone base contains a central passage arch, while brick parapets with guard posts surround the upper wooden structure.
The gate was built in 1396 during the Joseon Dynasty and underwent major renovations in 1453 and again in 1869 under King Gojong's reign. These comprehensive restorations helped the structure endure across the centuries.
The gate bears a four-character name inscription that differs from other main gates, positioned according to traditional feng shui principles to strengthen the eastern direction of Seoul. Visitors can observe this special positioning reflected in how the structure faces and relates to the surrounding city.
The site is easily accessible on foot with surrounding pathways for exploration. Visitors should take time to view both the lower stone and upper wooden elements from different angles.
This gate is the only one among Seoul's eight fortress gates to feature a semicircular defensive wall called ongseong, originally designed to protect against enemy attacks. This fortification remains visible today and shows the site's former military strategy.
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