Jongno District in Seoul said on the 23rd that it will launch a project to restore the Changuimun section of the Hanyangdoseong city wall. The plan is to complete the restoration work next year. It comes 58 years after the section was severed following the 1968 infiltration by North Korean armed commando Kim Shin-jo, who tried to raid the Blue House.
Changuimun was built in 1396 when the city wall was constructed. Among Hyehwamun (East Small Gate), Gwanghuimun (South Small Gate), Sodeokmun (West Small Gate), and Changuimun (North Small Gate) of Hanyangdoseong, Changuimun is the only gate that has retained its original form. It was designated a Treasure in December 2015.
Changuimun, along with Sukjeongmun, served as a traffic route toward Yangju and Goyang, but it was closed in 1416 based on geomancy. It was reopened in 1506. Then, after the Jan. 21 incident in 1968, when Kim Shin-jo infiltrated, Changuimun-ro was created to strengthen defense of the Blue House, severing the section.
The Changuimun section of Hanyangdoseong links Inwangsan and Baegaksan. After the Blue House was opened to the public, more tourists visited the Hanyangdoseong trail, but because this section is cut off, tourists must detour about 100 meters to cross at a nearby crosswalk.
Jongno District moved to restore the terrain of the Changuimun section to secure tourist safety and create a more walkable path. After passing Seoul City's feasibility review and design approval, it received final approval last year from the Korea Heritage Service.
Jongno District said that once the Changuimun section is restored, Inwangsan and Baegaksan will be connected, helping restore the ecosystem as well. It also expects the area to become a spot for viewing the nightscape of Gwanghwamun.
Jung Moon-heon, head of Jongno District, said, "It will enhance the value of Hanyangdoseong and provide a more convenient exploration environment for domestic and foreign tourists."