Editorial Connecting Paldalmun's Castle Walls to Restore Suwon Hwaseong's Original Form

Suwon City is promoting the 'Paldalmun Castle Wall Connecting Project' to restore the castle walls (304m in length) between Namsumun, Paldalmun, and Paldalsan. The section between Namsumun, Paldalmun, and Paldalsan was demolished during the Japanese colonial period to construct a road. Many citizens welcome the project, saying that once Paldalmun's castle walls are connected, the original form of Suwon Hwaseong built by King Jeongjo can be restored. In particular, access to Paldalmun, which has been isolated like an island in the city, will become possible. Citizens and tourists will be able to enter Paldalmun, which is designated as National Treasure No. 402.

Jangamun, the north gate of Suwon Hwaseong, became a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists after one severed section was fully connected and an overpass was installed on the other in 2006. This process was documented in this newspaper's February 22 edition in the column 'Chung-young Kim's Suwon Microscope (7)—Connecting Jangamun's Castle Walls' as follows: "If one severed section is fully connected and an overpass is installed on the other, we could solve traffic problems and also save Jangamun, which had become an island."

The author recalled that the Jangamun castle wall connecting project faced criticism. Traffic congestion plagued the old downtown Suwon area throughout the day due to the construction. However, the author finds consolation now, seeing many citizens and tourists entering and leaving the walled city through Jangamun. The author expresses pride, saying "the Jangamun castle wall connection has restored Hwaseong's dignity."

The Paldalmun castle wall connecting project is also facing difficulties due to resistance from some residents. Some residents claim that the market built by King Jeongjo will be demolished. However, Suwon City counters that the market was originally outside the castle walls, and the current state is an expansion to the site where the castle walls once stood after the walls were demolished.

Suwon City is currently compensating property owners for the restoration project site. The total project cost is approximately 250 billion won, with compensation comprising 70% of it. This is because the land in this area is very expensive. So far, 2,422.7 square meters in the Paldalro 2-ga area (zones 1-3, 13 parcels) have been compensated. For the remaining 387.2 square meters (zone 4, 2 parcels), the city plans to apply for a 'land acquisition ruling' to the Gyeonggi Provincial Land Requisition Commission. According to the land acquisition ruling decision, the city plans to deposit the ruling amount in escrow and transfer ownership in June to July.

The problem is business operators in buildings who refuse to relocate despite the ownership transfer being completed. If they continue to refuse relocation, the city plans to file eviction lawsuits and enforce compulsory execution. However, the city has stated it will first maintain continued communication with the residents, seek common ground, and minimize friction. We hope that both Suwon City and the business operators will pool their wisdom to prevent the worst-case scenario of forced execution from occurring.

Once Paldalmun's castle walls are restored, two enemy bastions (敵臺), Namammun, and Namgongsimdon that existed there will also be revived. Connecting Paldalmun's castle walls, which were forcibly damaged during the Japanese colonial period, is a project to restore the original form of Suwon Hwaseong, which was forcibly damaged during that era. We look forward to smooth implementation.