Seoul City Wall
Seoul City Wall | |
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Native name Korean: 서울 한양도성 | |
Hanyangdoseong | |
Type | Fortification |
Location | Seoul, South Korea |
Coordinates | 37°34′22″N 127°00′31″E / 37.5728474°N 127.0085027°E |
Area | Downtown Seoul |
Built | c. 1395–1396 |
Built for | Defense of Joseon's capital city, Hanseongbu |
Governing body | Seoul Metropolitan Government |
Owner | National Government of South Korea |
Website | seoulcitywall |
Historic Sites of South Korea | |
Official name | Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall |
Designated | 1963-01-21 |
Reference no. | 10 |
Location of Seoul City Wall Museum |
Seoul City Wall | |
Hangul | 서울 한양도성, 서울 성곽 |
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Hanja | 서울 漢陽都城, 서울 城郭 |
Revised Romanization | Seoul Hanyangdoseong, Seoul seonggwak |
McCune–Reischauer | Sŏul hanyangdosŏng, Sŏul sŏnggwak |
The Seoul City Wall (
History
Construction of the Seoul City Wall was launched in 1395, and significant part of the whole City Wall was completed in 1396, including the Eight Gates.[1]: 107–111 While the City Wall was continuously fortified through almost entire history of Joseon, its history of fortification can be divided into major three periods respectively in 14th, 15th and 18th centuries.[2]: 79–80
In the early era of Joseon, one of major function of the Seoul City Wall was a administrative demarcation distingushing downtown area of the capital city named as Seong-jung (성중; 城中) or Doseong-an (도성 안; lit. inside the fortress), from urban peripheral areas named as Seongjeosimni (성저십리; 城底十里; lit. 10 ri's around the fortress).[3]: 90–100 Yet after Joseon suffered invasion from Japan (Toyotomi government) and China (Qing empire) in middle era, the City Wall was redeveloped in late period of Joseon to strengthen military functions.[4]: 19–20
During the
Characteristics
The original walls, built in the late
The eastern section of Seoul was on lower ground than the other sections and was more susceptible to external attack. Thus, a
Gates
Four main gates and four auxiliary gates were built around Seoul in the late 14th century. The four main gates were
At present, the following gates are either preserved in their original form or have undergone restoration work: Sungnyemun (South Gate) and Heunginjimun (East Gate) are designated as National Treasure No. 1 and Treasure No. 1, respectively.[7]
Present condition
Hanyangdoseong, completed in 30 years, was torn down in many parts due to city planning initiatives and the introduction of trams lines. However, significant sections of the wall remain. The best-preserved and well-known course is the Wall of Mt. Bukaksan, the 2.3-km trail which cuts through Sukjeongmun to Changuimun. Previously off-limits to the public after having been designated as a Military Reserve area due to its close proximity to Cheongwadae, it opened to the public in 2006. With very few alterations or artificial structures surrounding the area over the years, the natural environment remains relatively intact.[9]
Trail tour
The city of Seoul operates the Hanyangdoseong stamp trail tour, which runs along the wall, divided into six trails:[10]
- Baegak Mountain Trail
- Naksan Mountain Trail
- Heunginjimun Gate Trail
- Namsan(Mongmyeoksan) Mountain Trail
- Sungnyemun Gate Trail
- Inwangsan Mountain Trail
Gallery
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View of the Downtown Seoul and N Seoul Tower behind the Seoul City Wall
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A night view from Naksan Mountain
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A snowy view of Fortress Wall of Seoul
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Sungnyemun Gate, Seoul
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Hanyangdoseong, which shows restoration efforts made by the Seoul government
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Hanyangdoseong at Seoul City Wall Park and Naksan Park, Seoul
See also
Notes and References
- ISBN 9791160711301.
- . Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ISBN 9791160710670.
- . Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- . Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ McKechnie, Ben (2024-02-01). "Discover Seoul's five best hiking trails with an expert guide". BBC Travel. Seoul.
- ^ a b UNESCO (2014-08-15). "Seoul City Wall". UNESCO. UNESCO.
- ^ Discovering Korea (2014-07-30). "Hiking Hanyangdoseong". Discovering Korea. Discovering Korea. Archived from the original on 2014-08-10.
- ^ Visit Korea (2014-07-30). "Hiking trip along the Wall". Visit Korea. Visit Korea. Archived from the original on 2014-08-06. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
- ^ "Hanyangdoseong: Excursions Along the Wall". Retrieved 2020-07-01.