Fortifications and ramparts to visit South Korea

This half-moon shaped gate is the most famous of the gates that belong to Hwaseong Fortress. This is the south door which has the peculiarity of being independent, detached from the rest of the structure. It's quite confusing though fascinating to see that nowadays it is used as a roundabout. This former guard platform has characteristics specific to western castles (battlements and loopholes). Just on its side, you can see a plaque with all the names of those who participated in its construction

The fortress dates back to the time of the Three Kingdoms, but the visible buildings date from 1711, when King Sukjong undertook its construction to provide a refuge for the court in case of danger. After the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598 (Imjin War) and the Manchu invasions of 1636, the need for a safe place near the capital was indeed widely felt.

A fortified wall was built from Mount Ingwansan, near the palaces, to the fortress. This one is 10 km in circumference, but only 6 months were necessary for its construction: the heights of the mountains were judiciously used. The site appears to be naturally fortified. The valley in the centre included a palace, sheds, military buildings, temples, etc. The valley in the centre included a palace, sheds, military buildings, temples, etc. The valley in the centre included a palace, sheds, military buildings, temples, etc. These buildings, which never had to be used in an emergency, survived until the Korean War, when most of them were burned down. Of the 14 gates that made up the enclosure, only 3 have been rebuilt (Daeseomun, the only one partially spared, Daedongmun and Daenammun). All 143 guard posts have been destroyed. Five of the ten temples and two hermitages built for the soldier-monks remain.

This fortress is not comparable to the one in Suwon in terms of the beauty of the buildings but the site is really superb. Moreover, it is easily accessible from Seoul.

Nestled in the middle of the mountains, it offers a splendid view, especially in autumn. In winter, beware of ice on the stairs.