History of Seoul - Joseon Period

Joseon Period

At the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty in 1394, the capital was moved to Seoul, also known as Hanyang and later as Hanseong (한성, 漢城, "Fortress city the Han "), where it remained until the fall of the dynasty.

Originally entirely surrounded by a massive circular wall (a 20-foot (6.1 m)-high circular stone fortress) to provide its citizens security from wild animals such as the tiger, thieves and attacks. The city has grown beyond those walls and although the wall no longer stands (except in the mountains north of the downtown area), the gates remain near the downtown district of Seoul, including most notably Sungnyemun (commonly known as Namdaemun, or South Gate) and Heunginjimun (commonly known as Dongdaemun, or East Gate) but also Sukjeongmun (commonly known as Bukdaemun, or North Gate) and four smaller gates included Changuimun and Hyehwamun. During the Joseon Dynasty, the gates were opened and closed each day, accompanied by the ringing of large bells.

• The street in front of Gyeongbokgung palace in the late 19th century.

• Seoul in 1894.

• Waryong-dong, Seoul in the late Joseon Dynasty.

• A narrow street of 19c Seoul.

• A street of 19c Seoul.

• Hanseong Municipal Government.

• Gwangwha Gate, the main gate of Gyeongbok Palace.

• Temple of Heaven, a site where Korean Emperors performed the rites to Heaven.

• Jibokjae, the Royal Library of Seoul in the late Joseon period.