Chuncheon Bonguisanseong Fortress

This is a mountain fortress built along the ridge of Bonguisan Mountain, which rises behind the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province office in Chuncheon, making use of the steep terrain. Much of its original form has been damaged; 105 m of the wall was restored in 1991 and a further 40 m in 1993. The Sinjeung Dongguk yeoji seungnam records that Bongsan Fortress measured 2,463 cheok in circumference and 10 cheok in height. According to the Goryeosa jeoryo, the anchalsa (regional inspector) No Ju-han died in battle here during an invasion by the Khitan, and the Goryeosa records that, during the fourth Mongol invasion, the people of Chuncheon took refuge in the fortress and resisted. It was also the area of activity of Won Ho, jobangjang (assistant defence commander) of Gangwon Province, during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), and it was the site of fierce fighting during the Korean War as well. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but given the record of fierce fighting against the Khitan and the Mongols, it is presumed to have been built in the mid-Goryeo period. Although Bonguisanseong Fortress is not large in scale, it retains its original form, vividly attesting to its role as a site of resistance for the people of the Chuncheon region. The terrain was rugged enough to be effective in blocking an advancing enemy, but the fortress lacked sufficient drinking water and was too small to withstand a prolonged siege.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Chuncheon, Gangwon

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물