Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon was built around 200 years ago by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty.
His purpose was twofold: to honor his father by visiting his tomb — a duty deeply rooted in Korean tradition — and to strengthen the military defenses of the southern capital.
A blend of East and West
Hwaseong is often noted for its unique architectural style, combining defensive technologies inspired by both Asian and European fortification systems.
This blend created a structure that was not only functional, but innovative for its time.
A unique perspective from above
Yesterday, we visited the area with guests from the United States and took a ride in the nearby hot air balloon.
Seeing the fortress from above offered a completely different perspective — the curves of the walls, the surrounding cityscape, and the mountains in the distance came together beautifully.
It was truly worth the experience.
Hwaseong remains one of the most impressive historic sites near Seoul — a fortress where engineering, devotion, and history meet.
Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon was built around 200 years ago by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty.
His purpose was twofold: to honor his father by visiting his tomb — a duty deeply rooted in Korean tradition — and to strengthen the military defenses of the southern capital.
A blend of East and West
Hwaseong is often noted for its unique architectural style, combining defensive technologies inspired by both Asian and European fortification systems.
This blend created a structure that was not only functional, but innovative for its time.
A unique perspective from above
Yesterday, we visited the area with guests from the United States and took a ride in the nearby hot air balloon.
Seeing the fortress from above offered a completely different perspective — the curves of the walls, the surrounding cityscape, and the mountains in the distance came together beautifully.
It was truly worth the experience.
Hwaseong remains one of the most impressive historic sites near Seoul — a fortress where engineering, devotion, and history meet.