Rediscovery of Dangseong Fortress in Hwaseong: 'Silk Road Expedition Team' Departs

Hwaseong City and the Hwaseong Cultural Foundation held a 'Hwaseong·Dangseong Rediscovery! Silk Road Expedition Departure Ceremony' on the 5th at Dangseong Fortress, designated as National Historic Site No. 217.

The departure ceremony, which began with the purpose and progress report of the 'Hwaseong·Dangseong Silk Road Expedition' event, was attended by approximately 200 people including Hwaseong Mayor Chae In-seok, expedition team members, and local residents.

The expedition team embarked on a 3-night, 4-day journey from the 5th to the 8th under the theme of 'Opening the Door of Creation Along the Thousand-Year Path,' tracing the ancient domestic Silk Road route from Dangseong Fortress to Gyeongju.

The city planned this expedition after the historical value of Dangseong Fortress was reexamined through a visit by the 'Gyeongbuk Province Korea Silk Road Expedition Team' in March, and expects to enhance Hwaseong City's image by once again highlighting the historical significance of Hwaseong's Dangseong Fortress as an ancient international trading port that connected the domestic territory and maritime routes.

The main itinerary of the expedition includes departing from Dangseong Fortress on the 5th, attending a lecture on the role and significance of Dangseong at Yongju Temple, and on the 6th and 7th, exploring the major points of the domestic Silk Road through Chungju, Mungyeong, and Gyeongsan to Gyeongju.

The final schedule on the 8th includes an exchange event with Gyeongju City at Gyeongju Expo Park, where both cities will share the significance of this expedition route.

In particular, in Gyeongsan and Gyeongju, plans include developing storytelling that links Wonhyo and Dangseong through exploration of historical sites related to Wonhyo, and presenting directions for shared development.

Local residents around Dangseong Fortress anticipate that through this expedition, the cultural and historical value of Dangseong Fortress will be reexamined, providing an opportunity not only for pride in regional heritage but also for sharing with the entire nation.

Hwaseong Mayor Chae In-seok stated, "This departure ceremony and expedition will serve as a starting point to highlight the image of Hwaseong's Dangseong Fortress as a gateway to the ancient Three Kingdoms Silk Road that connected maritime and domestic routes," and added, "Through this, it will become an opportunity to introduce Hwaseong City as a global city growing to communicate with the world beyond South Korea."

He also said, "I hope the expedition team members will take pride as ambassadors for Hwaseong City and Dangseong Fortress and gain much from this expedition," while urging safe travels for the expedition team.