Description of the attraction
Heewamun Gate, also known as the Northeast Gate, is one of the eight Great Gates in the city wall that surrounded Seoul during the Joseon era. The gate is also called Dongsomun, which means "eastern small gate".
The gates in the city wall were divided into two groups: large and small. Hevamun were part of the four small gates, and the name translates as "gate radiating wisdom." The gates were regularly used by those who needed to get to the northern regions of the country.
Hyewamun Gate was built in 1396 and was originally called Honghwamun. However, this name coincided with the name of the eastern gate of the Changgyeonggung Palace, which was built in 1483, so in 1511 the name was changed to the current one. A room was built over the gate, as well as over other gates in the city wall that surrounded Seoul. The estimated date when this superstructure was made is the end of the 17th century - the first half of the 18th century, but in 1928 it was destroyed, only the vaulted passage survived.
During the period of Japanese colonization, the gate was completely destroyed as the road was widened and a road was built that connected Hiewa-dong and Dongam-dong, the administrative districts of Seoul. In 1992, the gate was restored, but its location was slightly shifted due to an earlier paved road.
Today, tourists can see the gate from all sides, as well as, if desired, go through them. In addition, you can see the superstructure if you climb the steps to the side of the gate, but you cannot get inside.
