Suwon Hwaseong Festival

Seojangdae served as a location for generals to oversee their soldiers, providing a vantage point both inside and outside of Hwaseong Fortress. The term Seo in Seojangdae signifies west, as it was positioned on the western side of the fortress. In 1795, King Jungjo personally trained his soldiers at this site. The painting capturing this moment is referred to as the 'Seojangdaesungjodo,' constituting one part of the Palpokbyungpungs. This two-story building, Seojangdae, contains an interior staircase. The lower floor consists of three rooms arranged vertically and horizontally, with the central room designated for the use of generals. Standing at Seojangdae evokes the spirit and legacy of the esteemed generals of old. Suwon Hwaseong features two balconies, Seonodae and Dongbuknodae, elevated positions from which catapults were employed against enemy attacks. Additionally, Hwaseong Balcony served for monitoring enemy movements and transmitting signals, using five-color flags and other means, to a command post and throughout the entire castle. From Seonodae, when observing the surroundings, a vast water pool becomes apparent in the front. Originally a reservoir, this water source was utilized for agricultural purposes. During the construction of the fortress, King Jungjo excavated four reservoirs to support farming, as it was essential for attracting settlers to the fortress. King Jungjo's concern for both the construction of the fortress and the livelihoods of the people is evident. Presently, only two of the reservoirs, constructed by the king in the west and north, remain.

Seoyichi, also known as the Western Bastion, is a Chiseong constructed between the Seojangdae or the Western Artillery and the Seoporu or the Western Command Post. Chi refers to a pheasant, symbolizing soldiers who could conceal themselves like pheasants within the Chiseong before launching attacks against enemies approaching the fortress walls. Hwaseong Fortress, encompassing 10 bastions, features Seoyichi, which is relatively small compared to the other bastions due to its location on a steep slope leading to the summit of Paldal Mountain. Originally, Seoichi was built in 1796 in the 20th year of King Jungjo of the Joseon Dynasty, and it was restored in 1975 by retaining its original appearance. Various sized stones with a reddish hue are still well preserved, and a rectangular stone, larger than the flat wall, was positioned in the lower part to provide additional support.