Heunginjimun Gate, Seoul

Heunginjimun, also known as “Great East Gate”, is a historic city gate of Seoul that remains one of the most notable entrances of the old Seoul Fortress Wall. Originally built in 1396/ 1398 under King Taejo’s reign, it underwent renovation in 1453 and was completely rebuilt in 1869 during the reign of Emperor Gojong-the version standing today dates from that latter construction.

Positioned on the eastern flank of the old capital, the gate played a vital defensive role by safeguarding the more exposed, lower-lying approach into the city. Unlike the other seven gates of Seoul’s fortress wall, it was reinforced with a distinctive outer semi-circular wall known as an ongseong, added during the late Joseon dynasty to bolster protection.

The gate’s two-story wooden pavilion sits atop a sturdy granite platform and features a finely detailed bracket structure, with five frontal bays and two on each side-hallmarks of late Joseon architectural style.