- Address: 661 Sanseong-ri, Jungbu-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Not far from the South Korean capital is the provincial park of Namhansanson, in whose territory the fortress of the same name is located (Namhansanseong fortress). It is a historical landmark of the country, included in 2014 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
general information
The citadel was erected along the mountain ridge of Namhansan at an altitude of 480 m above sea level. This location provided the fort with reliable protection, because before it was very difficult to reach the enemy. The name of this rock is translated as "the peak of the southern Khan".
The original fortress was built from clay on the orders of King Onjo (founder of Baekje) in 672 and named Chujanson. It was located on the western side of the mountain and protected the state of Silla from Tang China. Over time, the citadel was renamed to Ilchason. It was constantly strengthened and completed.
Most of the fort, which has survived to our days, was erected during the reign of the Joseon Dynasty. Construction began in 1624, when the Manchus declared war on the Chinese Ming Empire. The fortress of Namkhansanson had the shape of an elongated rectangle, and its area was about 12 square meters. km.
History of combat fortification
In 1636 Manchu warriors attacked the territory of the state, therefore King Injo, along with the courtiers and army (13,800 people), was forced to take refuge in the citadel. The monarch found himself in a profitable defensive position, he was defended by more than 3,000 bodyguard monks. The enemies could not take the fortress of Namkhansanson by storm.
Unfortunately, 45 days after the siege began, the defenders ended their provisions. The king was forced to surrender, while the opponents demanded that the monarch give them his sons as hostages and refused to support the Ming dynasty. In memory of these sad events for the country, a monument to Samjondo was erected here.
After the Manchus retreated, the fortress of Namhansanson remained unchanged until the reign of King Sukchon. He initially attached to Fort Pongamson, and then - Hanbonson. When Enjo came to power, he again renewed the citadel.
Since that time, the fort began to deteriorate and decline. In 1954, for historical and cultural value, its territory was declared a national park , and the authorities conducted a large-scale reconstruction.
What to see?
Currently, in the fortress of Namhansanson you can see the fortifications erected in the XVII century, and several churches . Their architecture was significantly influenced by the culture of China and Japan . The most famous buildings here are:
- Tomb of Cheongnyangdan - it was built in memory of the architect Lee Hwy. He was executed on false charges in the wrong construction of the southern part of the fort.
- The Suojangdae Pavilion is the only building left of the 4 buildings for command and control. It is located on the highest point of the fortress of Namhansanson.
- The temple of Changens is a Buddhist shrine erected in 1683. Here lived the monks, who played an important role in the life of the citadel. On the territory of the monastery you can learn about the activities and life of local residents.
- The family shrine of Sunnjejong - King Onzho is buried in the building. Here, until now, they perform the ceremony of carding (ceremony of sacrifice).
During the tour of the fortress of Namhansanson, pay attention to such buildings as:
- command post;
- eastern, southern and northern gates;
- The observation deck, which offers a stunning view of Seoul.
How to get there?
From the center of Seoul to the fortress of Namhansanson can be reached as part of an organized tour or independently by buses Nos. 9403, 1117, 1650, 30-1, 9 and 16. Transportation departs from the Jamsil Station stop. The journey takes up to 1.5 hours.