What are the Capital Fortifications of Hanyang?

The Capital Fortifications of Hanyang are fortress structures constructed to defend Hanyang (한양), the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. They comprise three integrated components: Hanyangdoseong (The City Wall), Bukhansanseong (The Shelter Fortress), and Tangchundaeseong (The Connecting Fortress). These three fortifications are organically interconnected to form a comprehensive capital defense system.

• Hanyangdoseong
  (The City Wall)An urban fortification encircling the capital
• Bukhansanseong
  (The Shelter Fortress)A refuge fortress designed to accommodate the royal family and citizens during emergencies, enabling long-term defensive operations
• Tangchundaeseong
  (The Connecting Fortress)A connecting fortress linking the two fortifications above, protecting evacuation routes during wartime

The World Heritage Inscription Initiative: Progress and Historical Significance

The inscription of the Capital Fortifications of Hanyang as a World Heritage site has been advanced through domestic and international procedures in a phased approach.
The World Heritage inscription of the Capital Fortifications of Hanyang is expected to serve as an opportunity to introduce to the international community the originality and excellence of the Joseon Dynasty's capital defense system, as well as the unique value of fortress heritage that combines site selection utilizing natural topography, the Pogoksik-style construction tradition, and an innovative defense strategy integrating comprehensive civilian evacuation and staged defense tactics.

Inscription Initiative Progress Timelinge

1. 2012

   1. November

      Inscription on UNESCO World Heritage Tentaive List

2. 2022

   1. December

      Selected as priority for inscription (integrated: Hanyangdoseong + Bukhansanseong + Tangchundaeseong)

3. 2023

   1. January

      Tentative List adjusted to “Capital Forifications of Hanyang for Capital Defense"

   2. April

      Selected as a candidate for World Heritage inscription application

   3. September

      Pre-assessment Request submitted to the World Heritage Centre (WHC)

4. 2025

   1. July 31

      Final selection by the National Heritage Administration of Korea as inscription application target

   2. September 30

      Draft Dossier submitted to the World Heritage Centre

5. 2026

   1. Before February 1

      Official Dossier submission

   2. September ~ October

      ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) on-site inspection expected