Jeju Fortress Site

It is not certain when Jeju Fortress was first built, but it is said to have been constructed long ago as a fortification near the capital of the Tamna Kingdom. Using the abundant volcanic rock of Jeju, the fortress was expanded and newly rebuilt during the reign of King Sukjong of Goryeo, to a circumference of 4,700 cheok (a traditional unit of length) and a height of 11 cheok. Later, in 1512, the seventh year of King Jungjong of Joseon, its circumference was extended to 5,486 cheok and defensive facilities were installed. The difficulty of securing a water supply, caused by the absence of a spring within the fortress, was also resolved at this time. In 1555, the tenth year of King Myeongjong, during the Eulmyo Waebyeon (a Japanese pirate invasion of that year), Japanese raiders invaded and besieged the fortress, but the defenders succeeded in repelling them. Before the Imjin War broke out, the fortress walls were raised by a further 5 cheok and additional defensive facilities were installed. Today almost none of the walls or buildings survive, but the site remains valuable evidence of the fortress-building methods of the time.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jeju City, Jeju

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물