Exploring the Historical Significance of Hanyangdoseong Museum
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한양도성박물관
Discovering a Winter Program at Hanyangdoseong Museum
Last fall, I felt a bit disappointed after a brief visit to the Hanyangdoseong Museum.
While browsing through the Seoul public reservation service, I discovered that the museum was offering a special winter vacation program. I quickly applied and successfully secured a spot!
Winter Vacation Educational Program
1. Winter Vacation Educational Program at Hanyangdoseong Museum - Find the Gakjasungseok
The Hanyangdoseong Museum is a specialized museum built to share the value and significance of the 600-year-old Hanyangdoseong with the public. It currently operates as a branch of the Seoul Museum of History.
The museum is offering a class titled Find the Gakjasungseok, where participants will learn about the stone markers inscribed with records from the construction of Hanyangdoseong. This program is intended for elementary students (grades 4-6) and will run every Friday from January 16 to February 6, 2026.
Parents do not participate in the class but will wait outside until it's over, giving them some free time!
Class Information
Class Time: Fridays from 10 AM to 12 PM (120 minutes)
Tuition: Free
Details of the program are as follows:
Details of the 'Find the Gakjasungseok' Program
Feedback on the Program
2. Feedback on the Program
Although I did not participate in the class myself, it seems the educational experience was divided into three main parts.
Understanding Gakjasungseok
First, understanding the significance of Gakjasungseok - The class began by exploring what Gakjasungseok is, which contains records from the construction of Hanyangdoseong. By examining the names, positions, and responsibilities inscribed on the stones, participants learned about the administrative system and role distribution during the construction of the fortress in the Joseon Dynasty.
Conducted in the museum's second-floor learning and exhibition rooms
Exploring the Exhibition Hall
Second, exploring the exhibition hall - There was a time allocated for participants to search for Gakjasungseok in the museum's permanent exhibition. The exhibition featured tactile displays of stone models, augmented reality experiences showing how labor was managed during the construction, and explanations of the different building techniques used during the reigns of Taejo, Sejong, Sukjong, and Sunjo. The activities connected to the exhibition made the experience much more engaging.
Building Techniques of Hanyangdoseong by Era
Hands-on Activities
Third, hands-on activities - Participants made rubbings of the Gakjasungseok and created Gakjasungseok-themed soap! Luke particularly enjoyed this activity, choosing colors and scents for his soap, which he sweetly gifted to me.
Soap Making
Strolling Along Hanyangdoseong Path
3. A Moment to Appreciate Beauty - Strolling Along Hanyangdoseong Path
During the two hours allotted, I was secretly excited.
While Luke was learning about Hanyangdoseong in the classroom, I planned to walk along the Hanyangdoseong Path to Naksan Park and explore the Ihwa Mural Village.
As I walked alone along the fortress path leading to Naksan Park, I realized that the Hanyangdoseong I had seen in the indoor exhibition came alive in the actual stones and scenery. Each stone felt uniquely significant. Seeing foreign tourists taking pictures made me feel like a traveler myself.
Walking along the castle road naturally led me to Ihwa Mural Village.
The village landscape, with its murals and alleyways, seemed to showcase a different layer of time compared to the fortress from the Joseon Dynasty.
Experiencing the traces of those who built the fortress hundreds of years ago, alongside the vibrant life of the neighborhood today, was both impressive and gratifying.
Inside Ihwa Village, I discovered a café I wanted to visit, but unfortunately, it was closed for the day. However, I promised myself to return.
Although it was disappointing, I found a café along the Hanyangdoseong Path where I could enjoy a cup of coffee against the backdrop of the fortress. I felt immense gratitude for the happiness that comes from appreciating the beauty of everyday life.
The Hanyangdoseong Path is truly worth taking the time to explore.
Reflections on the Program
4. Reflections on the Winter Vacation Program at Hanyangdoseong Museum
This class allowed me to naturally understand the construction methods of Hanyangdoseong and the historical significance behind them. The connection between the small clue of Gakjasungseok and the history of the people who built Hanyangdoseong was fascinating. I appreciated that this was not just a history lesson from a book but an experiential education that involved direct observation and exploration.
Furthermore, I gained a deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage and felt compelled to introduce it to foreign visitors as a representative site of our country.
Seoul is incredibly beautiful.
There are so many sights and experiences to enjoy, from Heunginjimun near the museum to DDP and Cheonggyecheon. I eagerly anticipate the day when I can walk through this living cultural heritage.
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