Suwon

Suwon lies south of Korea's capital in Gyeonggi. Cultivated land and roads connected local communities with the political centre of the Joseon state. Agriculture provided food and revenue, while markets and transport supported the movement of people and goods.

In the late eighteenth century, King Jeongjo transformed Suwon by building Hwaseong Fortress and planning a new town. The project joined royal commemoration and political ambitions with efforts to strengthen military and economic functions. Walls, gates and associated structures demonstrated the court's technical and administrative capabilities, while markets and settlement policies supported life within the fortified town.