Hwaseong Fortress is an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. 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)—and the seven-arch style Sumun gates straddle the point where the nearby stream reaches the palace. Above the Sumun gates is a pavilion called Hwahongmun.
The fortress was designated as Historic Site No. 3 in January 1963, and in December 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. A variety of performances and events are held at the fortress every day and Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival takes place here in autumn.
Janganmun is the north gate and front gate of Hwaseong Fortress. Usually, the south gate of the castle is designated as the main gate, but the gate was the main gate when the king came to Suwon from Hanyang (now Seoul) at the time of the Joseon Dynasty.
Operating Hours
March-October 09:00-18:00
November-February 09:00-17:00
Admission Fees
[Suwon Hwasweong Admission]
* Individuals – Adults 1,000 won / Teenagers 700 won / Children 500 won
* Groups – Adults 700 won / Teenager 500 won / Children 300 won
* Group: 20 people or more
* Admission to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is free of charge to visitors wearing hanbok (including casual hanbok).