Busanseong Fortress, Gyeongju

This Silla mountain fortress was built in 663, the third year of King Munmu, and is also known as Jusasanseong Fortress. It is a stone-walled fortress built of unhewn natural stones along three valleys centred on the summit of Busan, a mountain also known as Jusasan, Obongsan, Orobongsan, or Dakbyeoseulsan. The site occupies a strategic point on the route between Daegu and Gyeongju; during the reign of Queen Seondeok, Baekje troops once crossed this mountain and invaded as far as Okmun-gok (also known as Yeogeun-gok). The fortress was subsequently built as an outer defence against enemies invading from the west of Gyeongju, and appears to have been used to guard against Japanese pirate raids up until the early Joseon period. Outside the walls the terrain is steep and rugged on all four sides, making it well suited to defence, while inside it is broad and flat with abundant water, and the fortress is thought to have served as an important Silla military base. The site is also known as the place where, during the reign of King Hyoso, the hwarang Deugo — a member of an elite Silla youth corps — composed Mojukjirangga ("Song of Longing for Jukjirang"), mourning his friendship with Jukjirang. Today the remains of the south gate, a military storehouse, a parade ground used for training, a well, a pond, and a hidden gate used as a secret passage can still be seen.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Historic Site · 사적