Changryongmun Gate | Suwon

Information

Landmark: Changryongmun Gate
City: Suwon
Country: South Korea
Continent: Asia

Changryongmun Gate, Suwon, South Korea, Asia

Changryongmun Gate is a historic city gate located in Suwon, South Korea.

It is part of the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visual Characteristics

Changryongmun Gate is constructed from granite and brick. The gate features a two-story wooden pavilion with a tiled roof. The main archway is approximately 5 meters high and 3 meters wide. The structure exhibits Joseon Dynasty architectural elements, including decorative eaves and painted wooden beams.

Location & Access Logistics

The gate is situated on the eastern side of Hwaseong Fortress. It is approximately 2 kilometers east of Suwon City Hall. Access is via local roads, with parking available at designated lots within the fortress grounds, such as the Hwaseong Fortress East Parking Lot. Public transport options include Bus Line 11, which stops near the fortress entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Changryongmun Gate was constructed in 1790 as part of the Hwaseong Fortress. The fortress was designed by Jeong Yak-yong, a prominent scholar of the Silhak movement. Its original purpose was to serve as a defensive structure and a symbol of King Jeongjo's ambition to relocate the capital.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk through the gate and explore the ramparts of Hwaseong Fortress. Photography of the gate's architecture is permitted. Guided tours of the fortress, which include explanations of the gate's history, are available.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located near the fortress entrance. Shade is available under the gate's pavilion. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good in this area. Food vendors and small restaurants are situated outside the fortress walls, near the main entrances.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting conditions on the gate's facade. The best months for visiting are April, May, September, and October, offering mild temperatures and clear skies. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A local legend states that if a person can walk through the gate without looking back, they will be granted good fortune. Historically, the gate was a crucial point in the fortress's defense during the Joseon Dynasty.