Watch Global Treasures SUWON HWASEONG - South Korea

Global Treasures SUWON HWASEONG - South Korea is a documentary film that explores the rich historical heritage and architectural grandeur of the magnificent fortress walls and the royal palace of Suwon Hwaseong in South Korea. This documentary is a part of a series called "Global Treasures" that showcases cultural and historical landmarks from around the world.

The film starts with an aerial view of the walls of Suwon Hwaseong, surrounded by lush green hills and a modern city. The narrator explains that this fortress was built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty as a tribute to his father, Crown Prince Sado, who was executed by his own father.

The documentary then takes us on a journey through the elaborate and well-preserved walls of the fortress, which extend for a distance of nearly 6 kilometers and have four gates, each guarded by stone turrets. The wall was built in a way that reflects a perfect blend of traditional Korean and western military architecture.

The film showcases the majestic beauty of each of the gates, highlighting the intricate designs and decorations on them. The cameras zoom in on the detailed carvings, which include various symbolic images, such as dragons, turtles, and cranes.

We then move into the royal palace or "Haenggung" within the walls, which was used as a residential palace, as well as a military base. Here, the documentary focuses on the opulent beauty of the main hall or the "Hwaseong Haenggung Palace," which contains several exquisitely decorated rooms and halls, including the king's bedroom, the council chamber, and the throne room.

The film provides a detailed account of the palace's layout, which was designed to reflect the teachings of feng shui. They explain that the palace was built by expert artisans, who used traditional Korean construction techniques and materials such as clay, stone, and wood.

The documentary also delves into the history of the region, discussing the cultural and political climate during the Joseon Dynasty, and how the construction of Suwon Hwaseong was a significant event that brought together expert craftsmen and local communities.

Apart from the walls and the palace, the film also highlights other significant features of the fortress. For instance, it showcases the watchtowers that were used to keep an eye on advancing enemies and protect the castle's inhabitants.

The documentary also shows the visitor's center, which contains interesting artifacts and displays, providing insights into Korean history, culture, and the construction techniques used to create the fortress walls and palace.

Global Treasures SUWON HWASEONG - South Korea is a visually stunning and informative documentary, providing critical insights into the history, construction, and cultural significance of one of the most magnificent architectural wonders of South Korea. The documentary presents a perfect blend of stunning visuals and historical facts, making it an informative and visually appealing watch for all history and architecture enthusiasts.