AI Brings Hanyangdoseong Back to Life – Start at Changuimun

One of the most memorable books I read during college was “My Cultural Heritage Exploration” by Professor Yoo Hong-jun. It opened my eyes to the charm of walking through historical sites and left me with a lasting dream: to document history in my own way someday.

🔍 Why This Series Started

Recently, I saw Professor Yoo introduce little-known historical sites on the “Knowledge Inside” show, which reignited my passion. But this time, I wanted to prepare thoroughly to go beyond a casual walk—this would be a real journey with purpose.

🤖 Why AI?

For planning, writing, and visual content, I chose ChatGPT as my co-pilot. With its help, I aimed to create an immersive and informative experience. Here are some examples:

• 🗺️ A satellite map with Hanyangdoseong route visualized using ChatGPT
• 📜 Historical references suggested by ChatGPT
• 🖼️ Photos I took during my walk, transformed into Joseon-style images using AI

Original Photo 1

AI Joseon-style Image 1

Original Photo 2

AI Joseon-style Image 2

Original Photo 3

AI Joseon-style Image 3

Original Photo 4

AI Joseon-style Image 4

📚 Inspired by Joseon Archives

The style of these AI transformations was inspired by real historical photos, such as this example from the National Museum of Korea:

→ See the Joseon-era reference photo

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🧭 Immersive Narrative Format

• Setting: Late Joseon dynasty (circa King Jeongjo–Cheoljong)
• Character: A commander from the royal guard (Geumwiyoung), tracking rumors of enemy infiltration
• Backdrop: Full patrol along the Hanyang Fortress Wall
• Method: Fusion of real photos, AI-generated images, real history, and fictional storytelling

🗂️ Sample Structure for Episode 1 – Changuimun Gate

1. Opening Scene – Mission Received
   “In the autumn of the year Eulhae, intelligence reported a potential infiltration through the northern gate, Changuimun…”
2. Arriving at Changuimun
   • 📷 Real photo of Changuimun
   • 🧙 AI-transformed Joseon image
   • 🗺️ Brief historical note (e.g., function of the gate, linked to events like Yi Gwal’s rebellion)
3. AI Dialogue Insertion
   🧑‍✈️ “That pile of stones... Was it to hide the dead or to send a prayer?”
   🤖 “The local people stacked them to pray for safe passage…”
4. Conclusion
   “We climbed the stairs toward Bugaksan Ridge again, but noticed unusual traces along the path…”

More episodes coming soon. Join us on this journey through time, guided by AI and curiosity.