A Historical Journey Along the Cherry Blossom Path
[Reporter: Yoeseul Jo]
A historical journey along the cherry blossom path,
Discovering hidden stories in the alleys
A guided tour with flags and leaflets
Experience-based tourism programs attract attention
In Suwon's Haenggung-dong, a unique spring program
was held, allowing participants to explore local history
and stories from the alleys alongside the cherry blossoms.
'The Cherry Blossom Path Opens in Haenggung-dong' is the event.
The program was organized by the Suwon Cultural Foundation
and took place from April 4 to 12 in the Haenggung-dong area.
It was free for anyone to join,
and participants walked key routes with local guides
to naturally engage with Suwon's history and culture.
The tour lasted about 60 minutes,
starting from Hwaseong Gate
and passing through Banghwasuryujeong, Bukammun, and Baekdongsugil,
ending at the Suwon Media Center.
Hwaseong Gate, the starting point of Suwon Fortress,
was built in 1795 and serves as a military stronghold
adjacent to Suwoncheon (Suwon Stream).
With a structure featuring a pavilion atop seven arches,
it functioned as a lookout for enemy movements while also serving as a rest area.
After several floods, it has been restored repeatedly,
maintaining its historical significance.
Notably, Hwaseong Gate was depicted on the old Korean banknotes
issued in 1908, reflecting its symbolic importance as a cultural heritage.
Crossing the stepping stones behind Hwaseong Gate,
visitors enter a space where Yongyeon and Banghwasuryujeong blend together.
The Yongyeon pond, created beneath a rock resembling a dragon's head,
is said to have used the earth excavated for its construction
to build Suwon Fortress.
This area is not only a beautiful spot with willow trees
but also a place where rain rituals were performed during droughts
and where martyr families shared their sorrows during the persecution of Catholics.
One participant expressed surprise, saying,
"I've lived in Suwon for a long time, but I've never heard these stories before."
Banghwasuryujeong, completed in 1794,
served as both a military command post and a pavilion.
Its unique structure harmonizes with nature,
showing different forms depending on the viewer's perspective.
Currently, internal viewing is restricted due to renovation,
but the cross patterns visible on the walls and ceiling
are another point of interest.
Next, Bukammun is a secret entrance used during military situations.
This door was installed to remain unnoticed by enemies,
utilized for the procurement of military supplies and troop movements.
Along the way to Baekdongsugil from Bukammun,
lesser-known cherry blossom spots were introduced.
Behind the tennis courts near Samil High School,
the path blends with the northeastern fortress of Suwon,
creating a unique spring scenery,
providing participants with the joy of new discoveries.
Particularly for long-time residents,
this area felt like a meaningful rediscovery of hidden local charm.
Baekdongsugil, leading from the northeastern fortress to the old road of Maehyang-dong,
is named after Baek Dongsu, a military officer from the late Joseon period.
This path, once a military route, now features murals,
transforming the alley itself into a historical cultural content.
The tour concluded at the Suwon Media Center,
a hanok-style media center opened in 2025,
providing an open space for citizens to learn and utilize media.
With equipment rentals, educational programs,
and various media exhibitions,
it serves as a valuable experience space for families and youth.
After participating in the guided tour on April 9,
I saw Haenggung-dong from a new perspective,
understanding the history and meaning of the space through the guide's insights.
Even though the cherry blossom season has ended,
the 'King's Alley Tour in Haenggung-dong' continues as a regular program.
As the flowers fall, stories remain.
This weekend, walking slowly along the alleys of Haenggung-dong
to discover the tales left by the season will be a meaningful experience.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224251891567
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