Traditional Vietnamese culture was continuously molded by a series of encounters and influences, as well as the acceptance of a multitude of foreign civilizations over the course of history. The country was not only impacted by the Hindu civilization for a prolonged period of time, but also was heavily influenced by China, more so than its Southeast Asian neighbors, leading to subsequent dynasties and societal intellects embracing Chinese culture, even following the country’s liberation from China in the 10th century. The 14th century later marked the beginning of Vietnam’s active expansion of its scope within global commerce through the cities of Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, in partnership with merchants from Arabia, India, and Europe. The 17th century then brought Vietnam into contact with European civilization, primarily France, eventually witnessing the country reach the peak of French influence during the Nguyễn Dynasty in the 19th century. This absorption of various foreign cultures into Vietnamese traditions resulted in the culture we know of today, while the city of Hue has evolved over the course of time, grounded upon this multifaceted structure of traditional culture.
Hue features an urban design that emphasizes the importance of nature, as it cradles the Sông Hương, or Perfume River, running through the city, along with the Ngu Binh Mountain that lays at its center. The Perfume River cuts down the middle of Kinh Thành, the imperial city of Hoàng Thành, and the forbidden purple city of Tu Cam Thanh and Dai Noi, flowing freely in its path as it paints a beautiful natural canvas across the entire city landscape. Meanwhile, the French-style castle walls of the Hue castle ruins are installed with pentagonal artillery posts, with the interior incorporating a gridiron plan following the introduction of ancient China’s capital castle system. Additionally, palaces were built in accordance with the palace system, also derived from ancient China, and accordingly established the name of the royal palaces. Having integrated the geographical nature of the Perfume River landscape, a river outlet was then constructed to form the castle moat, while a canal with in the castle walls was also built to set up defense and transport infrastructures. The finishing touches were placed on the ideal castle design with the installation of patron figures in harmony with the principles of fengshui. The Hue capital castle is perhaps the most notable facet of the pinnacle of Vietnamese culture that resulted from the incorporation of foreign elements into traditional indigenous practices. This cultural fusion can also be witnessed in the Hue imperial tombs, shrines, altars, and temples along the Perfume River.
Having suffered the French invasion and resulting colonial rule, the country’s division and war that ensued, as well as the various hardships of the people, the city of Hue today welcomes visitors from all corners of the globe, with its historical remains being officially designated as a site of world cultural heritage, sparking the illumination of its historical value in anew light, along with its restoration. Currently serving as a global landmark of world heritage and staple of tourism, the city is growing exponentially, leaving the country with the task of achieving continued urban growth through the preservation and development of Hue’s historical and cultural resources.
Written by Professor Ho-rim Choi (Pukyong National University)
KOREA FOUNDATION
