Namsan Mountain Fortress, Chungju

Namsan Mountain Fortress, Chungju spans Mount 56-1 in Allim-dong, Mount 24-1 in Jik-dong and Mount 54 in Mokbeol-dong within Chungju, and is also known as Chungjusanseong ("Chungju Mountain Fortress") or Geumbongsanseong. Believed to have been built during the Three Kingdoms period, it is a tumulus-type (teme-sik) mountain fortress whose wall follows the ridgeline around the mountain's summit, raised steeply on the outside while banked more gently within. The walls, built evenly in stone, show an early and typical construction style. A 1983 survey by Chungju City recorded the circumference at 1,145m; although sections have since collapsed, 775m of wall survives in five stretches. The enclosed area measures 46,524㎡ and the walls stand 7-8m high. Two former well sites remain inside the fortress, though neither now produces water; gate sites lie along the eastern and western ridgelines, and a drainage outlet is found to the east. Pottery and roof-tile fragments believed to date from the Three Kingdoms period have also been found within the walls. The fortress is thought to be where Mongol troops were repelled during their invasions. In the ninth month of the 40th year of King Gojong of Goryeo (1253), the Mongols launched their fourth invasion and attacked the fortress; Choe Su, a Chungju changjeong (local official), ambushed and defeated the Mongol forces at Geumdanghyeop Gorge. In the twelfth month of that year, after more than seventy days under siege had exhausted provisions and morale, the defence commander (banghobyeolgam), together with the monk-general Kim Yun-hu, rallied the entire garrison, down to the government slaves, to fight to the death and drive off the enemy. In the second month of the following year Kim Yun-hu was appointed Gammunwi Seopsang Janggun, and in the fourth month Chungju was elevated in status and renamed Gugwongyeong. In the ninth month of 1254 the Mongol general Jalairtai attacked the fortress again, but sudden rain and wind, together with the fierce resistance of the Goryeo defenders inside, forced him to withdraw. Although the whole country was ravaged by the Mongol invasions, Chungju Mountain Fortress was never taken. According to legend, the fortress was built in just seven days by the fairy Mago during the Samhan period; another tradition holds that it was built in the 21st year of King Gaero of Baekje (475) to defend against invaders. This is notable for according with the theory that King Gaero intended to move his capital to Allim-dong, immediately north of the fortress.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Chungju, Chungbuk

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물