Hwaseong Namsumun (Suwon)

 gateway, historical building

Hwaseong Namsumun (south water gate) is the water gate where the Suwon stream, that flows down from Hwahongmun (north water gate), crosses the fortress wall again. Different from Hwahongmun, with seven arches, Namsumun has nine arches to accommodate flooding of the stream. Namsumun was originally constructed in 1796, and the construction of Po-sa (guard post) was completed the same year as a defense of the fortress.

Namsumun was destroyed by a flood in 1846, reconstructed in 1848, damaged again by flooding in 1922, and completely demolished in 1927 by the Japanese during the occupation.

To preserve the historical and cultural significance of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the World Cultural Heritage, Suwon City, started a restoration project in September of 2010. Namsumun was fully restored back to its original state in June, 2012 - 90 years after it was damaged by flooding.