흥인지문
Built in 1396 during the construction of the Seoul City Wall, this eastern gate is commonly known as 'Dongdaemun' (East Gate). Designated as National Treasure No. 1 in 1963, it is the only one of Seoul's Four Great Gates that retains its original Joseon-era appearance. The calligraphy on the plaque reading 'Heunginjimun' (興仁之門) was written by the renowned scholar Toegye Yi Hwang. Unlike other gates with three-character names, this gate has four characters, the '之' was added to strengthen the earth's energy since this area was the lowest in the city. It is the only gate among Seoul's eight city gates with a semicircular ongseong (barbican) for enhanced defense. The gate looks especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
Highlights
- East Gate (Dongdaemun) of the city wall, built in 1396
- The only one of Seoul's 8 gates with a round barbican
- Go after dark, when it is lit up.
Details
- Address
- 69 Jongno 6-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- District
- 종로구
- Opening Hours
Monday Open 24 hours Tuesday Open 24 hours Wednesday Open 24 hours Thursday Open 24 hours Friday Open 24 hours Saturday Open 24 hours Sunday Open 24 hours
Location
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