- Address: South Korea, Busan, Qimjonggu
- Year of foundation: 1703
The largest fortress in South Korea is Geumjeongsanseong Fortre. It is located in the metropolitan city of Busan on Mount Geumjeongsan and since 1971 is on the list of historical treasures of the country under number 215.
What is a fortress?
In the Middle Ages, the Japanese and Manchu were constantly attacking the Korean peninsula, which not only robbed the local residents, but also killed them. After the invasion of Imjin Vaeran, monarchs from the Joseon Dynasty decided to build a protective fortress along the coastline.
It was begun to be erected by the order of King Suk-Jong at the site of the destroyed fort (there are official records of the naval commander Li Jikhen, mentioning the ruins of the citadel) in 1701. For construction, more than 1,000 people were employed, and their work was overseen by Governor Kensando named Cho Tahedon. In 1703, the official opening of Kimjonsanson.
The total length of the fort was about 17 km, and the area surrounding the fortress is 8.2 square meters. km. In 1707 around the interior premises were built powerful walls, having a width of 1.5 m and reaching a height of 3 m.
Basically, they were made of natural stone, however, for some sites, artificial blocks of square shape were used. Huge boulders workers rolled from the top of Mount Kumjonsan, and poles and beams searched for 50 km from the fort.
History of the fortress
Because of the huge size, the citadel of Kimjonsanson was practically not used for its intended purpose, as it was rather difficult to defend it. For this reason, the fort stood empty for a century. In 1807, a magistrate named Tonne-bu O Hannon began the reconstruction of the sights . Originally completed the western gate, and a year later were ready for another. You can learn about these works from the surviving stele.
During the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945, the fortress of Kimjonsanson was destroyed, but since 1972 it was repaired in several stages. The work began with the restoration of the western, eastern and southern gates, which were ready in 2 years. In 1989, solemnly opened the western entrance and internal premises.
What is the attraction of the Kymjonsanson fortress?
Almost all the buildings have been restored and damaged places in the walls have been repaired. Most of all tourists are attracted by the observation tower under number 1. This tower is located in the south-western part of the fortress. It was destroyed by a terrible typhoon that occurred on September 1 in 2002.
During the tour of the fortress of Kymjonsanson, pay attention to such popular sites as:
- The western gate is the most impressive entrance to the citadel, although it is difficult to get to it;
- Lookout tower Mangro - with her picturesque view;
- southern gates - have the easiest and most convenient approach, therefore they are very popular among tourists;
- Rocky caves are scattered all over the fortress.
Features of visit
Since Kimjonsanson is in the mountains , then for a comfortable excursion take with you drinking water, food, sports shoes and warm clothes. The latter will come in handy at any time of year, because there is always a strong wind. Along the wall are laid special tourist routes that lead to the top of the cliff.
How to get there?
From the center of Busan to one of the entrances to the fort can be reached by cable car or by buses Nos. 31, 148, 90, 50 and 1002. The journey takes up to 2 hours. Guided tours are also organized here.