south korea

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built in the late 18th century by King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty in Suwon, South Korea. It was built to honor and house the remains of his father, Prince Sado who was killed by being locked alive inside a rice chest by his father, King Yeongjo because the prince had failed to obey his fathers command to commit suicide. The fortress is located about 19 miles south of Seoul and encloses much of Suwon, including King Jeongjo’s palace Haenggung. In 1997 Hwaseong Fortress was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list as an outstanding example of early modern military architecture which incorporates [Read more…] about Suwon Hwaseong Fortress :: Suwon, South Korea

One of Korea’s “Five Grand Palaces” built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty sits within a large park in Jongnu-gu, Seoul. It is often referred to as Changdeok Palace as well as the East Palace due to its location. Like the other Five Grand Palaces in Seoul, it was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation of Korea and only about thirty percent of the original structures remain. Construction of the palace ran from 1405 through it’s completion in 1412. During King Seonjo’s rule from 1567 through 1608 the palace grounds were expanded by almost half a million square meters. Although the palace has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout the years, the repairs have always [Read more…] about Changdeokgung Palace :: Seoul, Republic of Korea