Paldalmun Gate in South Korea

The Paldalmun Gate in South Korea is a part of another historical relic known by the name of Hwaseong Fortress. The fortress was constructed by king Jeongjo in memory of his father Sado Seja who became a victim of a political rivalry. Unable to bear the tortures inflicted by king Yeongjo he committed suicide. The fortress took two years to complete from 1794 to 1796. The Hwaseong Fortress has four gates among which the Paldalmun Gate is considered one of the largest. The fortress was declared a World Heritage Site in the year 1997 by UNESCO. The three other gates are named Hwaseomun, Janganmun and Changnyongmun.

There are four gates to enter the Hwaseong Fortress. The northern gate is known as the famous Paldalmun Gate in South Korea.

Features of Paldalmun Gate in South Korea

  -   The Paldalmun Gate is positioned in the southern part of the Hwaseong Fortress which is an immensely important national treasure of South Korea.

  -   In order to protect the Paldalmun Gate from falling, a crescent shaped wall has been built to provide additional support.

  -   The right wall of the Paldalmun Gate has a nameplate on which there is enlisted all the names of the people associated in building the gate.

  -   The Paldalmun Gate was unfortunately burnt down during the Korean War. What now exists is a reconstruction of the Gate built in 1975.

  -   The Paldalmun Gate is surrounded by small fortresses meant to house guards with the duty to protect the gate. The other three gates of the fortress also enjoyed the same privilege.

  -   What sets the Paldalmun Gate apart from the other three is that it is located in the middle of the busy city. The area had already been commercialized before the reconstruction of the gate took place.