Suwon III - Hwaseong Palace Grounds

Interior of the exterior gate

Back to the rest of my travel log:

Suwon also includes a "Temporary Palace" meant as a retreat for the King during crisis as well as a place to stay when the original builder came to Suwon to pay his respects as his father's tomb.  

Interior Gate

Approaching the palace from the street.

A view down into the palace from the hill.

Entry into the palace was an additional 1100 Won (about $1 US) and you could observe most of the buildings inside.  There is a reenactment group that does a martial arts display at 1100 every day.  They guide said 1100 and 1500, but when I arrived at the gate the sign said 1100 only.  I had a chance to see part of the display from the hilltop, but really missed out.

A selection of flags/banners in the first courtyard.

One of the major buildings inside the compound. (Upper right on map below)

A metal diorama of the compound set up just outside the main gate.   

The primary meeting area with a throne area overlooking the interior courtyard.

Doors leading to the small living chambers inside the palace.  

I was really intrigued by how small the living quarters actually were.  It looked like most functionaries had a roughly 2m by 3m area to call home.

There was also a display of military dress for soldiers and officers.

Behind a locked cage were the uniforms and weapons for the reenactors as well.

Helmets and uniforms

A small cannon

Examples of the military spears, pikes and tridents.  Note the tassels used to confuse/distract the opponent. 

Some banner poles and pennants 

There was also a display for women's dress with clothes used in a Korean docu-drama.

One of the walls inlcuded a long scroll showing the Kings escorts when he moved out from the capitol.  I took several snapshots for inspiration in painting units for the earlier Imjin War period.

There is a museum located just down the street from the palace.  There were several mock-ups of older construction equipment used in the creation of the fortress itself.

Wheel and axle structure for the modelers out there

Block and tackle system.

Wagon/Cart

I was also struck by the sheer size of the Catholic Cathedral locate just outside the walls in Suwon proper.

Overall an interesting tour possibility.  If I ever get a chance to return to Korea, I really want to visit Gang-Wa Island near Inchon.