Seosaengpowaeseong Fortress

This fortress, located in Seosaeng-ri, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, is a waeseong, a Japanese-style stone fortress, built in 1593, the 26th year of King Seonjo, during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), by the Japanese general Kato Kiyomasa. Because it communicated with Gijang Jukdoseong Fortress, Busanjinseong Fortress and Ulsanwaeseong Fortress by beacon fire, it is also known as 'Bonghwaseong' ('Beacon-fire Fortress'). The main fortress stands on the summit of the mountain, while on the steep north-eastern slope the outer walls were rebuilt in two to three tiers, each 6 metres high, stepped like a staircase, dividing the whole fortress into several sections. This is the typical form of a Japanese-style fortress, allowing each section to fight independently. Within the fortress, at a midpoint, is the site of Changpyodang, a shrine that once held the spirit tablets of patriots who died fighting the Japanese army in 1599, the 32nd year of King Seonjo. At the westernmost point of the main fortress is the site of a well called Janggunsu ('General's Well'), and to the south of the outer fortress is a well that supplied drinking water to the soldiers. Although this Japanese-style fortress was built by Japan, it was later used by Korean forces as well. Except for some damage to part of the south gate, it retains its original form elsewhere, and it is valued as important material for the study of Japanese castles of the late sixteenth century.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Ulju, Ulsan

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료