This Guest case study was submitted for publication 8/15/13.
It is copyright to Young Min Park, PMP MSPM, 2013.
Published here February 2014

Editor's Note | Abstract | Introduction | Project Background | Project Deliverables
Main Structures | Command and Sentry Posts | Bongdon (Beacon Deck)
Project Documentation | Summary Contents of Chapters | PART 2

Command and Sentry Posts

Seo-Jangdae (Command Post)

Jangdae is a command post designed for observation of enemy movement around the fortification and from which commands were imparted to troops defending the fortress. There are two such command posts. Seojangdae is on top of Mt. Paldalsan and is accessible from all directions. Every movement can be observed from this spot thanks to the view.

A tablet, "Hwaseong Jangdae," attached to a doorsill of this building was inscribed by King Jeongjo himself. Dongjangdae is located in the northeast of the Hwaseong Fortress and faces Changnyongmun. Dongjangdae was a command post on the east side of the Fortress and also a training camp for martial art.

Figure 11: Seo-Jangdae
Figure 11: Seo-Jangdae

Gakru (Sentry Post)

Four Gakru were built and these structures originally served as the second provisional battle command in case enemies took the main command post in Mt. Paldalsan.

Figure 12: Dongbuk-Gakru
Figure 12: Dongbuk-Gakru

Gongsimdon (Watchtower)

Gongsimdon was used to survey the surroundings of the fortress and spot enemy movement when attacked. Hwaseong is the first example of a fortress to which this type of structure was introduced. The building consists of three stories. The second and third levels have wood flooring and ladders are used to connect the floors.

Figure 13: Seobuk-Gongsimdon
Figure 13: Seobuk-Gongsimdon

Nodae (Crossbow Tower)

Nodae (Crossbow tower) is a raised structure set up for using the crossbow, which can launch multiple volleys of arrows. Two Nodae were built at western and northwestern side of fortress.

Figure 14: Seo-Nodae
Figure 14: Seo-Nodae

Poru (Sentry Post)

There are five Poru (Artillery posts) which are wooden structures built on top of a Chi which is a square turret protruding beyond the fortress. They also serve as a sentry post.

Figure 15: Buk-Poru
Figure 15: Buk-Poru
Figure 16: Inside view of Poru
Figure 16: Inside view of Poru

Chi (Rampart)

A chi is a turret like projecting section of a fortress wall. Placed at regular interval around a fortress, it is useful for attacking enemy troops advancing close to the rampart. There are eight such structures in Hwaseong fortress.

The name "Chi" refers to the pheasant, a watchful bird adept at camouflaging itself from the enemy. There are eight Chi at the fortress: Bukdongchi (Nothern); Seoilchi (Wentern-1); Seoichi (Western-2); Seosamchi (Western-3); Namchi (Southern); Dongilchi (Eastern-1); Dongichi (Eastern-2) and Dongsamchi (Eastern-3).

Figure 17: Chi and Posa
Figure 17: Chi and Posa

Posa (Sentry Post)

Posa is also a place for protecting soldiers. It's been built on the top of Chi, but without attacking weapons. Three Posa were built at the fortress.

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