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Bukhansanseong Fortress(北漢山城), Designated Heritage No.: 162, Designated date: 1968. 12. 05 Designated area: 494,516㎡ Location: San 1-1 Bukhan-dong, Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
Introduction of Bukhansanseong Fortress
Bukhansanseong Fortress is stone-walled fortress that was constructed by connecting various peaks of Bukhansan Mountain. Its length is 11.6km, including natural wall, and inner area is 5.3㎢. Debates over necessity of defending the capital by constructing fortress wall began in early Joseon Dynasty. However, actual construction had not begun until 100 years after Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 and, Manchu invasion of Korea in 1636. In 1711 (37th years of King Suk-Jong), unlike the debate, the construction of fortress only took six months. Fast construction was possible due to higher level of construction technology and system. 6 main gates, 8 auxiliary gates, and 2 water gates were built along the fortress wall and 143 barracks were built to station soldiers, which enhanced the defensive utility
Capital Protection
Bukhansanseong Fortress wall (Buwangdong Sector)
Bukhansanseong Fortress in winter(Daeseomun Gate)
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Wall height of Bukhansanseong Fortress was differed by flat terrain, peak and mountainous region in order to harmonize with the nature. Standard wall height was implemented in the valley area, but in stiff terrain, lower height wall was built. any walls were not built around peak area, instead, natural wall was utilized and total length of natural wall was 4.3km. Unique characteristics of Bukhansanseong Fortress compare to other fortresses in Korea are; various wall heights depended on terrains, battlement made of one stone, omission of outworks (Ongseong) and bastions, and dual wall construction.
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