Here it stands. Wolgeunmun Gate embodies resilience and transformation through time. Wolgeunmun Gate is more than just an entrance. It whispers tales of Seoul’s layered history.
The Seoul Fortress Wall runs for 18.6 kilometers. It snakes around the city center. High on Bugaksan, Naksan, Namsan, and Inwangsan mountains, it also stretches low through Dongdaemun.
Initially built in 1396, the fortress wall arose in just 98 days. Over 197000 people helped with its construction. Tourists often stumble upon the Seoul Fortress Wall while visiting Seoul. Seoul residents sometimes make it their mission to walk the entire wall. The paths are kept clean. You can’t easily get lost. You are always fairly close to a subway station.
The wall divided into 97 sections. People from different prefectures were assigned to each section. The parts of the wall built on mountains used stones. The parts on lower ground used earth. In 1402, the earthen sections were rebuilt with stone. The wall stood for 300 years. In 1704, a reconstruction rebuilt parts of the wall. These parts had collapsed over time.
During the Japanese colonization period, Japanese overseers deliberately dismantled several gates. Donuimun and Souimun suffered this fate. Gwanghuimun and Hyehwamun Gates were damaged. Restoration was neglected until after the Japanese left. Then, the Korean government could reconstruct the wall.
By 2014, 70% of the Seoul Fortress Wall had been restored or reconstructed. That’s about 12.8 kilometers. Sukjeongmun, Gwanghuimun, and Hyehwamun were rebuilt. The gates provide truly beautiful sights along the way. Along the wall were four main gates and four auxiliary gates. The gates opened and closed each day. They let people in and out. In the morning, the Bosingak Belfry bell rang thirty-three times. This signaled that the gates were opening. In the evening, the bell rang twenty-eight times. This announced the closing.
You can still visit the Bosingak Belfry. Find it just outside of Jonggak subway station, exit 4. You can even ring the bell yourself every day except Mondays. From 11:00 am to 12:20 pm, there is a changing of the guard ceremony. Then visitors can go up to see the bell. Adorn the traditional outfits. Then ring the bell.
Sungnyemun Gate, also known as Namdaemun, is the South Main Gate. It was rebuilt in 1448 and 1479. After an arson attack, it was rebuilt in 2013. The rebuild allowed the gate to be built closer to its original form. It connected sections of the Fortress Wall.
The gate is in the city center. It is in walking distance of Deoksugung Palace and Seoul City Hall. The name of this gate means “Exalted Ceremonies Gate”. It served as the location where the King would greet envoys to China. This gate represents fire. During droughts, the gate would be closed. The northernmost gate, representing water, would be opened. The southern gate wouldn’t be reopened until the water came. During the Japanese colonization, streetcar tracks were placed through the gate. The public wasn’t allowed near the gate. Now, it has been opened to the public. A nice little park sits on the grounds. It’s a great photo-op.
Souimun Gate means “Promotion of Justice Gate”. It was demolished in 1914. It was never restored. Only a stone tablet sits where the gate once stood.
Donuimun Gate translates to mean “Loyalty Gate”. It is now known as the “Invisible Gate”. It was dismantled. Now, a public art piece takes up the space where Donuimun Gate once stood.
Changuimun sits between Inwangsan and Baegak Mountains. It means “Showing The Correct Thing Gate”. It is the only auxiliary gate that still has its tower intact.
Sukjeongmun Gate means “Rule Solemnly Gate”. It is the only gate that still has both sides connected to the fortress wall. This gate sits on the mountain just behind Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Hyehwamun Gate means “Distribution of Wisdom Gate”. It was destroyed in 1928. It wasn’t rebuilt until 1994.
Heunginjimun Gate means “Rising Benevolence Gate”. It was rebuilt in 1896. The exterior wall surrounds it.
Gwanghuimun Gate translates to mean “Bright Light Gate”. It was also known as the “corpse gate”. Funeral processions passed through this gate.
Wolgeunmun Gate stands here as a reminder of Seoul’s story. It is a story etched in stone and wood. This gate is a gateway to understanding Seoul’s past and present.