Namhansanseong, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Namhansanseong is a historic mountain fortress near Seoul, built to protect the Korean capital during the Joseon dynasty. 1038

To reach Namhansanseong, I took the subway and transferred to a bus from central Seoul.

Before visiting the main attraction, Namhansanseong Fortress Temporary Palace, I decided to see one of the fortress gates first.

A map of the fortress

Namhansanseong South Gate

From the other side of the gate

A steep way to the gate

Another walk path to the gate

Came back near to the gate

To the fortress palace

Houses near the palace

The fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The road leads to the main entrance to the palace

A side building structure

The main entrance to the palace

Namhansanseong Fortress Temporary Palace was built as a royal refuge during emergencies in the Joseon dynasty. It served as a defensive headquarters and residence for the king and court officials during wartime. The palace complex includes royal quarters, military command posts, and government offices, blending seamlessly with the surrounding fortress and mountain landscape.

A view of the scene behind me

Entering the second gate

The area behind the second gate

The third gate

The Oehaengjeon (Outer Hall) is a building within Namhansanseong Temporary Palace, used for official royal ceremonies and receiving external guests. During emergencies or wartime in the Joseon dynasty, it served as a place for state affairs and diplomatic meetings. Its architecture is simple yet dignified, reflecting the style of royal palaces.

Right side

Left side

Building structures on the left

In this picture, inside the right side door is …

… is this building. This building was used for administration purposes

Exited from the side building structure

Entering the fourth gate

Entering the fifth gate

A narrow yard after the fifth gate

On the yard’s left is King’s Living Quarters

Entering the King’s Living Quarters

The gate in front of the King’s Living Quarter

This is where the King lived

The gate in front of King’s Quater

The King’s Living Quaters

Exited from the King’s Quarter

On the right side is another gate that leads to …

… the building for Local Governers Office

Exited from the local governor’s office.

The building in front on the hill is Jaedeokdang (齋德堂), a building within Namhansanseong Fortress that served as a space for conducting state rituals and prayers for national security and prosperity. It was used by the king and officials to perform ceremonies, reflecting the blend of Confucianism and military purpose within the fortress.

The backyard of the King’s Living Quaters

Jaedeokdang building

Walking out of the palace by exiting many gates

Came back to the Oehaengjeon (Outer Hall)

A view of the scene behind me

I walked this road between these two structures to the other side of the fortress

There is one large building structure outside the palace on this side of the fortress

Inhwagwan (仁和館) is a building within Namhansanseong Fortress that served as a guesthouse for receiving and accommodating important visitors. It was primarily used for diplomatic purposes and as a space for officials and envoys during their stay. The structure reflects the traditional architectural style of the Joseon dynasty, emphasizing simplicity and harmony with its surroundings.

On the road where Inhwagwan is located, there are many buildings serving as shops and accommodations.

A side park features small statues.

Returned back to the road that leads to the palace