Built 1794-1796 by King Jeongjo, it was one of the five fortresses built to protect Seoul. The fortress design and construction have strong Chinese influence. The length of the wall is some 5.5km and it encircles the old Suwon. For more information on Hwaseong Fortress see:
http://www.hwasong.henny-savenije.pe.kr/
The Hwaseong was dedicated to Jeongjo's father, Crown Prince Sado, who was punished to die in a rice chest by his father King Yeongjo, the 21st king of the Joseon Dynasty. Young Jeongjo must be one confused kid! Upon Sado's death, Jeongjo became crown prince and eventually replaced his grandfather to become the 22nd king of the dynasty.
Jeongjo had wanted to shift the capital from Seoul to Suwon, but when he died in 1800, the idea was scuttled.
