Jungseongmun Gate of Bukhansanseong Fortress in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province (Goyang Special City)

By Koh Hyun Jeong

The city government of Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province, on Feb. 4 announced its application to have the Capital Fortifications of Hanyang registered as UNESCO World Heritage.

The fortifications were built to defend Hanyang, the old name for Seoul and the capital of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). This large-scale historical site connects Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall), which protected the administrative and political center; Bukhansanseong Fortress, a military defense system for emergencies; and Tangchundaeseong Fortress, a connecting structure to guard civilians, warehouses and facilities in preparation for prolonged warfare.

The bid will undergo a completeness check and evaluation from next month by the International Council on Monuments and Sites. A decision on the application will come next year at the annual meeting of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

A Goyang source said, "Gyeongju, Buyeo-gun County and Gongju saw their domestic and foreign visitor numbers rise after gaining World Heritage status, so this designation is expected to stimulate our region."