Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress

A Time-Travel Outing with Your Kids, Seosan Haemieupseong

What kind of place is Seosan Haemieupseong?

Seosan Haemieupseong is a representative stone-walled fortress town from the Joseon Dynasty, located in Haemi-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do. It holds about 600 years of history and is a remarkably well-preserved historic site, designated as a national historic site in 1963. With its wide fortress walls, various history experience spaces, and beautiful natural scenery, it is a popular destination for family outings.

History and significance of Haemieupseong

• Construction of Haemieupseong began in 1417, the 17th year of King Taejong, and was completed in 1421, the 3rd year of King Sejong.
• During the Joseon Dynasty, it served as a military center of Chungcheong-do, where the provincial military commander was stationed, and played a key role in defending the west coast.
• Around the time of the Imjin War, Admiral Yi Sun-sin also served here.
• In the late Joseon period, it also became the site of a painful chapter in history due to the persecution of Catholics, and it is known as a martyrdom holy site where more than 1,000 martyrs died.

What to see and experience at Haemieupseong

• The fortress walls of Haemieupseong have a circumference of about 1,800 m, a height of 5 m, and a total area of about 200,000 sq m.
• Inside the fortress, Joseon-era administrative and military buildings such as Dongheon, Naea, and Gaeksa have been restored, along with a prison and traditional folk houses.
• There is a wide plaza, old trees, and various photo spots, making it a great place for walks and family photos.
• Stone monuments and information boards commemorating the Catholic martyrs allow you and your kids to learn history together.
• In spring and autumn, history experience festivals and traditional cultural performances are held, with a variety of programs the whole family can enjoy, including traditional games, costume experiences, and military camp activities.

Facilities and visitor information

• Admission and parking are free.
• Inside the fortress, you can join guided historical commentary (10:00 to 17:00) to help you better understand the site.
• Restrooms and resting areas are well equipped, and the wide lawn is a nice place to eat lunchboxes or take a break.
• Nearby, you will also find Haemicheon, cafes, restaurants, and other convenient facilities.

Why it is great to visit with kids

• Kids can run freely in the open fortress grounds and nature, and there are many hands-on activities such as traditional costume experiences, horseback riding, and traditional games for a fun and engaging outing.
• It is an easy place for children to learn about the Joseon Dynasty and modern Korean history, making it a living place of history education.
• You can enjoy beautiful seasonal scenery throughout the year, from spring cherry blossoms to autumn foliage, so every visit offers something new.

Recommended visit tips

1. Take a slow walk along the fortress walls and experience the atmosphere of history.
2. There are many great family photo spots, including large old trees, so be sure to bring your camera.
3. Let your kids join traditional games and military camp activities to make the visit even more rewarding.
4. During the Haemieupseong festival in spring and autumn, additional hands-on activities and performances are available.

"Seosan Haemieupseong is a historic space where the past and present coexist, and for children, it is a special travel destination where they can enjoy both fun and learning in wide-open nature."