Gwangju Castle, Historical fortress in Gwangju, South Korea
Gwangju Castle is a historical fortress in the city of Gwangju, where stone walls once extended for several kilometers and reached considerable heights, with gates positioned at the cardinal directions. The National Asian Culture Hall displays reproductions of these walls and the Jinnam Gate to help visitors understand how the original structure appeared.
The fortress was built during the early period of the Joseon Dynasty to serve as a military stronghold protecting the region. Over the centuries, the site underwent changes that eventually diminished its original purpose.
The site hosts events and programs that show how traditional Korean defensive architecture worked and reveal local customs of the region. Visitors can experience demonstrations of techniques that were once essential to protecting the area.
The best way to understand the fortress's history is to visit the National Asian Culture Hall, where reproductions show the original form. It helps to walk through the area and look for remnants of old walls that remain visible today.
At the location of the former north gate stands the 999-kan sculpture, a modern artwork from the Gwangju Folly project. This monument connects the historical site with contemporary artistic expression.
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