A man in his 40s ignited fires at seven locations inside Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gyeonggi Province, causing widespread alarm. Authorities arrested him on January 15 following a swift investigation.
Arrest and Confession
Investigators executed a search warrant related to a forest fire prevention violation in Sanrim Village on January 14. During the raid on the suspect’s residence, they apprehended Shim Mun, former Yeongjang City Council member. He admitted to additional sites, stating, “There are more places.”
Details of the Incidents
The fires erupted on January 12 around 11:10 p.m., with the suspect setting waste ablaze at seven spots within the fortress grounds. Suwon Hwaseong spans a 143-meter peak in Hwaseong-gu, connected to key areas like Hwaseomun (Bumul 403-ho), Seobukgongsimdon, Seojangdae, and Haenggung.
Entry occurred via Seojangdae and other trails, targeting waste near the central sewage facility, fortress livestock pens, and pasture areas. Firefighters mobilized four units, fully extinguishing the blazes by 12:32 a.m.
Site Assessment and Cultural Impact
Fire locations near cultural assets, including the southwestern corner tower (Seonamgakru), Cheongdonggi’s massive wooden structures, and the dolmen cluster (jiseok mogun), sustained no damage. The investigation traced the suspect within 30 minutes, pursuing him 200 meters from the scene to a livestock pen where officers captured him.
Authorities seized two lighters from the suspect, who confessed to surveying the mountain beforehand, saying, “I surveyed the mountain.” He remains uncooperative on motives.
Ongoing Probe
Police plan further inquiries into the suspect’s background and intentions behind the arson attempts.
