Hongjuseong (홍주성)
Hongjuseong—or more properly, Hongju Upseong—refers to the city walls of Hongju. Built at the end of the Unified Silla Era (668-935 A.D.), the walls encompass an impressive area considering the likely size of the city at that time. Hongjuseong is famous for two very different historical incidents. One occurred during a Joseon Era persecution of Christians 1866-1871, wherein 100 Catholics were martyred. The other incident took place in 1906 shortly after Japan made Korea a protectorate. The local population rebelled against Japanese privations and over 1,000 people gathered at Hongjuseong to fight against Japanese troops. Only the southern and western wall sections remain standing today along with a couple gates. That said, a significant restoration effort is ongoing to rebuild the northern wall sections and corresponding gate complex.
A map of Hongjuseong walls, showing the walls as they once stood—and may again someday soon.
A stretch of the city wall between the East and South Gates.
A turret between the East and South Gates. This would have been topped with pillars and a tiled roof to protect sentries on duty from the elements.
A stretch of the southern wall showing original and restored sections.
It’s hard to picture here, but this is what remains of the water gate that allowed the local stream to pass through the city walls. Hopefully this section is rebuilt as well someday, though the apparent re-routing of the watercourse might make that difficult to achieve.
A stretch of the western wall.
Throughout the city—near the walls—you find monuments to the martyrdom of Joseon Era Christians in Hongjuseong.
This reproduction of a Joseon Era prison is intended to provide some idea of the conditions under which the martyrs lived until their torturous executions.
Joyangmun is the only remaining great gate at Hongjuseong. As in Seoul, the gate stands alone in the middle of a wide traffic circle, disconnected from the walls that would have sprouted to left and right. This view is from the inside of the city walls looking out.
This distinct fountain marks the well that once provided additional water to the city.
Inside of the South Gate