Suwon

Hwaseong Fortress is an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The fortress, constructed from 1794 to 1796, was built as a display of King Jeongjo’s filial piety towards his father and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power.

The fortress wall stretches for a total of 5.52km and has a great variety of military facilities that are hard to find anywhere else. Four gates face each of the cardinal directions—Janganmun (north), Paldalmun (south), Changnyongmun (east), and Hwaseomun (west).

Hwaseong Fortress is believed to have been constructed very scientifically. The holes between the bricks are just big enough to fire guns, arrows, or long spears through in case of an attack.