Seokjugwanseong Fortress, Gurye

Toward the end of Goryeo, a garrison was established here to defend against Japanese pirate raids, and during the Japanese invasions of 1592, Regional Defence Commander Gwak Yeong of Jeolla built Seokjugwanseong Fortress on top of the older garrison to block Japanese forces advancing into the Honam region. To the north and south of the fortress lie the rugged ridgelines of Jirisan Mountain and Baegunsan Mountain, with the Seomjingang River flowing between them, making this an important strategic passage for military defence. The wall, built along the sloping mountainside, is about 736 m long, with a stone-built height of 50–120 cm. A distinctive feature is the regularly spaced openings in the wall for firing arrows or guns, allowing effective defence against attack, and the construction technique differs between the lower and upper sections of the wall. As the only surviving frontier fortress in the Honam region, it is highly significant, and it is regarded as important material for the study of fortress-building techniques in both the 13th century (late Goryeo) and the 16th century (the Japanese invasions of 1592).

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gurye, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Historic Site · 사적