Georyusanseong Fortress, Goseong

Georyusanseong Fortress stands at the summit of Mt. Georyusan (571m above sea level), Goseong. It has long been said that it was built during the Three Kingdoms period by So-Gaya to defend against Silla, but excavation has confirmed that it was actually built between the end of Silla and the beginning of Goryeo. Georyusanseong is a pogok-sik (valley-enclosing) mountain fortress that takes in two shallow valleys of Mt. Georyusan; its total circumference is about 1,381m. The wall was built on the south-eastern slope below the summit so that it is clearly visible from the town of Goseong but cannot be seen from the sea. There is no wall on the north side; this is thought to be a deliberate omission that made use of the steep terrain there. The plan of the fortress follows the natural lie of the land and has no fixed shape. Building sites and a well site remain within the fortress. The wall was built mainly on cliffs of natural bedrock. Natural stones were dressed into brick-like blocks measuring 35×25cm and 22×17cm and laid in level courses so that the stone faces are of even height. The wall was built not vertically but in a stepped fashion; where it survives best it stands about 2m high, and most of the fortress wall on the east side has been restored.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Goseong, Gyeongnam

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료