Friday 10 April 2015

[Suwon City Tour] - Suwon Fortress, Hwahongmun and Banghwasuryujeong


www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
Hwahongmun (화홍문) meaning beautiful rainbow-colored gate.

Hwahongmun, also known as Buksumun (the north gate) is  is located below the Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, which the Suwon stream flows entering Hwaseong.  

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
The Suwon stream broadening at this point and
flowing through the Seven arches forming the bridge.

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
 The gate also functions as a bridge and housed cannons  to protect the Fortress.

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
It was originally intended to be the second battle command post, 
but instead its scenic location made it a favored place for feasts. 

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
 Hwahongmun played a role of a bridge, connecting villages from the either side of the river.

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee) 
Seven arches were constructed in different sizes. The central opening is larger 
than the ones towards the outside making it easier to let the water through. 

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
 I love Suwon Fortress~^^

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
 Yeah nice scenery looking down from Hwahongmun...

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
Beautiful Suwon stream flowing from the North to the South.

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
 Suwon city harmonizes with sturdy Suwon Fortress.

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
The highlight iconic of Suwon city "Suwon Hwaseong Fortress"

          www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
 Hwaseong fortress wall stretches for a total of 5.52km, and about 4 to 6 metres high.


www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
It was built over two and a half years from 1794 to 1796 based on  
Silhak (practical learning) which encouraged the use of science and industry.


www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
 The architect Jeong Yak-Yong incorporated fortress designs from Korea and China 
along with contemporary science into his plans.

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
Bukammun (북암문 = Northern Secret Gate).

Hwaseong Fortress has 5 secret gates for the passage of people, cattle and military supplies. Bukammun is the only structure with brick walls at Hwaseong Fortress, which was constructed in 1796 between Banghwasuryujeong Paviliaon and Dongbukporu (Northeastern Sentry Post).

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
Banghwasuryujeong (방화수류정) Pavilion.

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
It served as watchtower, a command post and pavilion.

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
It's harmony with the natural surrounding, thus was named with the meaning
"A pavilion chasing after flowers and floating along the willow branches"

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
 This pavilion is said to be the most beautiful and unique structure
of Hwaseong Fortress. You can see this round pool and city view
from this pavilion. Awesome watchtower & pavilion indeed!



www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)

Hwaseong Fortress Dragon Train (화성열차).
Tourist Dragon Train route:  Paldalsan Mountain (General Gamchan Gang's Statue) -> Hwaseomun Gate -> Jangan Park -> Janganmun Gate -> Hwahongmun Gate -> Yeonmudae.

www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com (Vera Lee)
The front of the train is shaped like a powerful dragon that signifies King Jeongjo, 
and the guest cars resemble palanquins that once carried the king during his excursions.

We're going to Yeonmudae too after this... but sad face not with this cool dragon train. But at least I took a picture with it. ㅋㅋ

Related Posts:
~ Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace
~ Trazy Suwon Hwaseong Fortress