A defensive wall. That’s what first comes to mind when viewing \uacf5\uc6d0\uacc4\ub2e8. This section is part of the Seoul City Wall also known as Hanyang Doseong. It once protected the capital city.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine King Taejo of the Joseon dynasty. He ordered the construction of this wall. The purpose? To defend Hanseongbu. This was the downtown area of the capital. Construction began in 1395. A significant portion was done by 1396. This included the eight gates.
The Seoul City Wall wasn’t just for defense. It also marked administrative boundaries. It separated the city center from the urban outskirts. Think of it as a line between “inside the fortress” and “10 ri’s around the fortress.” One ri is equivalent to almost 400 meters.
Over the centuries the wall saw many changes. It was fortified during the 14th 15th and 18th centuries. These upgrades were crucial. Especially after invasions by Japan and the Qing Empire.
During the Japanese colonial era parts of the wall were sadly demolished. The Japanese wanted to modernize Seoul. Seodaemun the west gate was one notable loss. Despite this destruction much of the wall still stands today. You can find it in the Jongno and Jung districts.
The Seoul City Wall has distinct characteristics. The original walls used medium-sized round stones. Mud held them together. King Sejong the Great later renovated the wall. He replaced earthen sections with rectangular stone. King Sukjong rebuilt sections with large uniform slabs in 1704.
The eastern section needed extra protection. It was on lower ground. A lookout was added outside the gate. This strengthened the defense. Beacon mounds were another key part of the system. They operated from 1394 to 1894. Smoke and fire signals relayed messages across the country. One fire meant normalcy. Five fires signaled a battle.
Four main gates once stood. Heunginjimun was the East Gate. Donuimun was the West Gate. Sungnyemun was the South Gate. Sukjeongmun guarded the north. Four auxiliary gates also existed. They included Souimun Changuimun Hyehwamun and Gwanghuimun.
Today some gates are preserved or restored. Sungnyemun and Heunginjimun are national treasures.
The Hanyangdoseong took 30 years to complete. Trams and city planning led to its demolition in many areas. However significant sections remain. The Mt. Bukaksan trail is popular. It runs 2.3 km. It was once a military reserve. It opened to the public in 2006.
You can take a stamp trail tour along the wall. The city of Seoul organizes it. There are six trails to explore. These include Baegak Mountain Trail and Naksan Mountain Trail. Also Heunginjimun Gate Trail and Namsan Mountain Trail. Sungnyemun Gate Trail and Inwangsan Mountain Trail are part of it too.
The Seoul City Wall remains a vital cultural boundary. It distinguishes Seoul’s original city center. This is downtown Seoul. It sets it apart from other areas. The wall offers a glimpse into Seoul’s rich history. It connects us to the past. It reminds us of the city’s resilience.