Distribution of Wisdom Gate. That’s the literal meaning of Hyehwamun. This gate stands as one of the Eight Gates of Seoul. It was once a crucial part of the Fortress Wall of Seoul. The wall protected the city during the Joseon period.
Hyehwamun is also known as Dongsomun. This translates to East Small Gate. Today we explore its history. We will understand its significance to Seoul.
Originally, this gate was called Honghwamun. It was built in 1396. But the name caused a problem. Another gate at Changgyeonggung Palace had a similar name. This was built in 1483. So in 1511, the name changed to Hyehwamun.
The gate’s wooden gatehouse has an interesting story. It was built either in 1684 or 1744. Sadly, it was taken down in 1928. Only the stone archway remained. During the Japanese colonial period, the entire gate disappeared. It was removed to make way for a streetcar line. This line connected Hyehwa-dong and Donam-dong.
But Hyehwamun wasn’t gone forever. It was rebuilt in 1992. The new gate stands slightly north of the original site. Hyehwamun is one of the Four Small Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul. Because of its location to the north, it was important. People used it to travel to the northern parts of the country.
Today, Hyehwamun stands along a busy street. This is Dongsomun-ro. The gate is part of the Fortress Wall to its north. The wall continues on the other side of the street. It runs all the way to Heunginjimun, the East Gate.
Visitors can explore the front and back of Hyehwamun. You can walk under the gate itself. You can also view the wooden gatehouse above. But entry inside is restricted. A laser alarm system protects it. This was installed in July 2012.
To get here, use subway line 4. You can get off at Hyehwa Station exit 4. Or use Hansung University Station exit 5. Hansung University Station is closer. It is only about 1.5 city blocks from the gate.
Nearby, you can find Sajik Tunnel and Inwangsan Mountain. You can also see Bukaksan Mountain and Changdeokgung Palace. Sungkyunkwan University is also close. Hyehwamun intersects with the road to Uijeongbu. From here, you can see Bukaksan and Bukak Pavilion to the west of Hyehwamun Gate.
Hyehwamun has witnessed much history. Envoys from the Jurchen tribes passed through here. They came to pay tribute to the Joseon Dynasty. They were received at Bukpyeonggwan Hall. This hall was located where the Seoul Design Foundation is today.
Outside Hyehwamun, shops once thrived. They made leather shoes for officials. These shoes were worn at national ceremonies. Carriage bearers and porters rested here. They took short breaks outside the gate.
Walking along the Seoul City Wall to Naksan Park from Hyehwamun, you can see how it has changed over time. The original wall used natural stones. These stones were of different sizes. Sections rebuilt during King Sejong’s reign used regular square stones. During King Sukjong’s reign, uniform cube-shaped stones were used.
As you stand here at Hyehwamun, remember its journey. From Honghwamun to Hyehwamun. From destruction to rebirth. Hyehwamun stands as a testament to Seoul’s resilience. It reflects the wisdom of preserving the past.