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Korea boasts of major historic sites, forts, palaces, temples, national parks,
valleys, waterfalls, beaches, lakes, hot springs and cultural villages. Forts
and palaces in South Korea attract tourists in large numbers. Forts and palaces
embody the turbulent history of Korea. The major forts and palaces in South Korea
are Namhansanseong Fortress, Achasanseong Fortress, Bukhansanseong Fortress, Changdeokgung
Palace and Huwon, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changryongmun Gate, Deoksugung Palace,
Dongdaemun Gate, Ganghwasanseong Fortress, Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, Gongsanseong
Fortress, Gwanghwamun Gate, Gwongeumseong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung
Palace, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Jinjuseong Fortress, Paldalmun Gate, Sungnyemun
(Namdaemun), Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Unhyeongung.
The rich five thousand year old history of Korea is a major attraction for
tourists. The Korean countryside is punctuated by forts and palaces. Seoul and
its surrounding areas are home to major forts and palaces. History points out
that Korea suffered over nine hundred invasions. The forts were constructed
to protect the people against foreign invasions. The first fortifications made
of mud and timber can be dated back to around 2B.C. As technological advancement
took place, the newer elements of technology were applied in the building of
castles and forts.
Features of forts and Palaces in South Korea:
- The Namhansanseong Fortress has a rich military history.
- Achasanseong Fortress in Seoul was built about 2,000 years ago.
- Bukhansanseong fortress was built in 1711, during the time of the Joseon
dynasty. This served as an ideal place for retreat for the kings during times
of crisis.
- Changdeokgung Palace is the only palace in Korea that exemplifies the
architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty.
- The significance of the Changgyeonggung palace was belittled during the
Japanese invasion, which was converted into a resort with a zoo and botanic
gardens. The zoo was removed in 1983; the palace was restored and named Chaggyeonggung
once again.
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