Tangchundaeseong Designated as National Cultural Heritage Site
"Major Stronghold in the Joseon Dynasty Capital Defense System"
Tangchundaeseong, which connects Hanyangdoseong and Bukhansanseong, will be managed as a nationally designated cultural heritage site. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 9th that it will work with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to establish systematic preservation, management, and utilization plans. In particular, they will jointly promote the UNESCO World Heritage registration of the "Capital Fortress of Hanyang," which includes Hanyangdoseong and Bukhansanseong.
The Cultural Heritage Administration already submitted a preliminary evaluation application to UNESCO last September. It is in the early stage of the registration process, where advisory bodies and the concerned countries discuss and review the possibility of World Heritage designation.
Tangchundaeseong was one of the key points in the city defense system during the late Joseon Dynasty. It organically connects and complements the defensive systems of Hanyangdoseong and Bukhansanseong, addressing the limitations revealed during the Imjin War and the Byeongja Horan. Construction began in the 41st year of King Sukjong's reign (1715) and was completed in the 30th year of King Yeongjo's reign (1754).
The designated historic site area covers a 5,051-meter section extending from Gichabawi Rock on Inwangsan Mountain in the northwest of Hanyangdoseong, passing through Hongjimun Gate, to beneath Hyangrobong Peak of Bukhansan Mountain. It is divided into a 3,549-meter stone fortress section, a 758-meter earthen fortress section, and a 744-meter natural rock section.
Tangchundaeseong guarded Pyeongchang (平倉), a granary within the fortress during peacetime. In wartime, it served as a base to supply the stored military provisions to Hanyangdoseong and Bukhansanseong. When defending Hanyangdoseong became difficult, it functioned as a passage to safely evacuate the royal court and city residents to Bukhansanseong.
The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "It is the only rear fortress in Korea connected to adjacent fortresses, responsible for military supply and command," and evaluated it as "very important for understanding the late Joseon Dynasty city defense system together with Hanyangdoseong and Bukhansanseong." They added, "The remains of the fortress are well preserved, making its academic value outstanding."
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