Myeonghwalseong Fortress, Gyeongju

This is a Silla-period mountain fortress built with natural stones, with a circumference of about 6 km, on top of Myeonghwalsan, a mountain to the east of Gyeongju. The exact date of construction is not known, but since the Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) records that Japanese (Wa) troops attacked Myeonghwalseong Fortress in the fourth year of King Silseong of Silla (405), the fortress must have been built before that date. The construction method, using unhewn stone, also reflects the early Silla style. In the fifteenth year of King Nulji (431), Wa raiders surrounded and attacked this fortress, showing that it was an important stronghold for defending Geumseong, the Silla capital. It was rebuilt in the fifteenth year of King Jinheung (554), and extended in the fifteenth year of King Jinpyeong (593). Today most of the walls have collapsed, and the original appearance survives in only a few places. A stele from the reign of King Jinheung, the "Myeonghwalsanseong Jakseong-bi" (Stele Recording the Construction of Myeonghwalsanseong), was discovered and provides information on the circumstances of the time, while a fragment of stone believed to be the "Myeonghwalsanseong-bi" was found at Anapji Pond. During the reign of Queen Seondeok, Bidam used this fortress as a base for rebellion, but Kim Yu-sin suppressed it. Together with Namsanseong, Seondosanseong and Bukhyeongsanseong fortresses, Myeonghwalseong played a major role in defending Gyeongju against outside enemies invading from the direction of Donghae, the East Sea. The name was changed from Myeonghwalsanseong to Myeonghwalseong Fortress, Gyeongju, by official notice on 28 July 2011.

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Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Historic Site · 사적