Paldamun Gate, Suwon

On the next day we went to Paldamun Gate. It is just about 10 minutes walk from the guesthouse where we stayed.

Paldamun Gate

Signage of Paldamun Gate

Paldamun is one of the four main gates of Hwaseong Fortress and to Suwon. Kings of Joseon, including King Jeongjo, passed through this gate to visit Hyellyungwon, the tomb of King Jeongjo's father.

The construction work was started on Feb 28, 1794, and completed on May 20 of the following year, in the 19th year of King Jeongjo's reign. The name Paldal was borrowed frm Korean phrase 'satongpaldal' which means "open at all sides". Its intactness led it to be designated as treasure no 402. A semicircular, reinforced defense position (called Ongseong in Korean) was attached to its exterior.

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