Yeomin Gongsu (與民共守)

When the Joseon Dynasty established Hanyang as its new capital, the Hanyangdoseong (Hanyang City Wall) was built from the very beginning to protect the capital. However, during the Imjin War and the Byeongja Horan, King Seonjo and King Injo were forced to flee the capital. These two major wars reminded the kings of Joseon how urgent it was to rebuild the capital's defense system.

King Sukjong extensively renovated Hanyangdoseong and constructed Bukhansanseong Fortress, utilizing the rugged mountainous terrain to the north of the capital. Subsequently, by adding Tangchundaeseong, which connects Hanyangdoseong and Bukhansanseong, he established a new capital defense system where the city wall and the mountain fortress were linked.

King Yeongjo systematically reorganized this defense system and materialized a "Suseong" (fortress defense) system in which not only the military but also the citizens of the capital worked together to protect the city.

The Seoul History and Culture Special Exhibition 〈Yeomin Gongsu 與民共守〉 highlights the determination of the late Joseon Dynasty's capital defense: "to not abandon the capital and to protect it until the end together with the people." Within the walls that were repaired and reinforced over a long period lie memories of war, capital defense strategies, and a history of wanting to protect the nation alongside its people. This exhibition will be a time to rediscover the historical value of Hanyang's capital fortresses that remain by our side today.

Source: Seoul Museum of History website