Namhansanseong, a mountain fortress on Korea's Namhansan Mountain... has long been known
as one of Seoulites' favorite spots to go hiking or enjoy a nice drive around.
Located just on the outskirts of Seoul...
it's a brilliant place to visit if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the
city.
But, less is known about its outstanding historical value.
Oue Lee Minyoung takes us to the past and present of Korea's Namhansanseong fortress...
a UNESCO World Heritage.
Standing in the center of the country, Namhansanseong was the most strategic of all the mountain
fortresses in Korea, and it has never fallen to invaders.
The fortress was built in the seventh century to protect the southern part of the peninsula,
below the Hangang river, and it is blessed with natural defensive barriers.
"Namhansanseong's history goes back hundreds of years to 672, during the Silla Dynasty.
Every corner of this fortress city preserves the traces of the hard-fought battles of our
ancestors.
From the changes made in the configuration of the stone walls over time, we can witness
the evolution of the weaponry and military strategies of ancient Korea."
During the Joseon Dynasty, the fortress was designated as an emergency capital, offering
a refuge in times of war.
"Namhansanseong fortress was designed to provide shelter to area residents in emergencies.
The concept was to build a city that was also equipped with features that would enable people
to fight off the enemy."
Unlike other fortresses, which are built on flat land and arranged in a linear form, like
the Great Wall of China, Namhansanseong was built using the features of the land and scientific
construction techniques.
The fortress sits nearly 500 meters above sea level, an effective deterrent.
The fortress walls, which are arranged in a circular shape, are seven-point-five meters
high and 12-kilometers in length, another defensive feature in its favor.
Its strategic location doesn't mean the fortress wasn't subject to attack.
But with each invasion attempt, Namhansanseong was made stronger through advanced fortress
configuration techniques.
Low structures called "yeojang" were installed on top of the main wall.
They had square windows, enabling soldiers to both hide and shoot arrows... and, later,
firearms.
In another innovation, 16 hidden gates called "ammun" were built to allow for the clandestine
movement of troops and supplies.
Later, spaces for cannons called "poru" were also added and the walls were reinforced to
withstand attacks from cannon fire and firearms.
The fortress also has several other defense facilities.
Yeonmugwan is where generals trained soldiers... and Sueojangdae is one of the five command
posts built for generals to keep a lookout during battles.
The historic value of this structure is immeasurable,... as it's the only remaining command post in
the fortress.
Below that, lies the temporary royal palace Haeng-gung, where King Injo stayed for 47
days during the Manchu Invasion of Korea.
The palace opened its doors to the public in May 2012, after a ten-year renovation project.
The fortress also has places where people can pay tribute to the spirits of the brave
souls who sacrificed themselves during the fortress' lifespan.
Sungryeoljeon Shrine houses the spirit tablet of King Onjo, the founder of the Baekje Kingdom,
which preceded Silla.
Hyeonjeolsa Shrine was built to honor the patriotism of three scholars who refused to
surrender during the Second Manchu invasion of Korea in 1636.
A shamanic ritual is still practiced at Cheongryangdang Shaman Shrine to appease the souls of those
who died while the fortress was being built.
The fortress's legacy has lived on with Koreans for hundreds of years, and to this day, the
stories are still being told through an abundant variety of colorful attractions, including
traditional music and dance performances.
Above all, the true historic value of Namhansanseong lies in the efforts to preserve its cultural
heritage, and it will live on as Koreans continue to visit, pay their respects to their ancestors
and get a glimpse of history.
Lee Minyoung, Arirang News.