The Floodgates of the City Wall
The eastern section of Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall, between Heunginjimun (Gate) and Gwanghuimun (Gate), was the site of two floodgates: the five-arch and two-arch floodgates. In Joseon Dynasty, the waterways of Hanyang merged and exited the city through either of these floodgates, which also served as defenses against outside enemies. But by the Japanese colonial period (1910-45), the floodgates were no longer functional and soon were torn down along with parts of the city wall. They remained buried underground for many years until excavation surveys verified their original structure in 2003 and 2008, respectively.
This exhibition will introduce the functions and evolution of these floodgates, originally built as part of the Hanyangdoseong at its lowest points. It will be an opportunity to look back at the history and unique sense of place that the former Dongdaemun Stadium area held in the past.