The squarish fort, 12km in circumference and located in Sariwon of North Hwanghae Province, dates back to Koryo Dynasty (918-1392). Built by taking advantage of the natural features of rugged Mt Jongbang, the fort was effective in repelling foreign invasion. It was rebuilt in 1637.
The mountain fort was regarded as No. 1 fortress in the Hwanghae Province as it stands on the main passage that stretches north to south in the western coastal region of Korea. The fort was built with roughly dressed flat stones.
Most of the walls are covered with stones only on the external side, but the section around the Nam Gate across a valley is coated with stones on both sides.
The walls are mostly five to six metres high, and the southern part at the lowest place where the Nam Gate stands is more than ten metres high. At the top of the wall there are 1.3-metre-high zigzagged battlements with holes at the interval of about two metres. The holes are designed to open gun or artillery fire at enemies in long or near distances.
There is a gate topped by an imposing tower in the north, south, east and west. According to old records, there was a path running north to south in the narrow valley across which the eastern wall of the fort stands.
Inside the fort there were the headquarters which take control over two positions on the left and right sides in favour of defence.
The fort played an important role in warding off foreign invasion during the Imjin Patriotic War (1592-1598) and on other occasions.
Kim Hyon
More From Naenara (En)
Considerable achievements have been made in the work for land and environment protection this year. The Eleventh Plenary Meeting
December 30, 2025
Considerable achievements have been made in the work for land and environment protection this year. The Eleventh Plenary Meeting
According to the decisions made at the Eighth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, projects for readjustment and
December 30, 2025
According to the decisions made at the Eighth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, projects for readjustment and
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un shows boundless affection to the service personnel regarding them as his own beloved sons and
December 30, 2025
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un shows boundless affection to the service personnel regarding them as his own beloved sons and
Modern houses have been built in Amdu-ri of Jongju City, Pongnin-ri of Pakchon County and Pugil-ri of Unjon County in North
December 30, 2025
Modern houses have been built in Amdu-ri of Jongju City, Pongnin-ri of Pakchon County and Pugil-ri of Unjon County in North
Creators of the Art and Literature Publishing House and the Central Fine Arts Studio and teachers and students of Pyongyang
December 30, 2025
Creators of the Art and Literature Publishing House and the Central Fine Arts Studio and teachers and students of Pyongyang
A project for promoting environmentally sound management of plastic waste is underway in the DPRK. The project aims to build up
December 30, 2025
A project for promoting environmentally sound management of plastic waste is underway in the DPRK. The project aims to build up
In the DPRK precedence is given to labour protection over production, and everyone is leading a working life in a safe and
December 29, 2025
In the DPRK precedence is given to labour protection over production, and everyone is leading a working life in a safe and
New houses have appeared at the Samwon Industrial Crop Farm and the Hyangphung Farm in Songchon County and the Yakjon Farm in
December 29, 2025
New houses have appeared at the Samwon Industrial Crop Farm and the Hyangphung Farm in Songchon County and the Yakjon Farm in
In summer last year flash flood wreaked havoc on some parts of North Phyongan, Jagang and Ryanggang provinces in the DPRK.The gove
December 29, 2025
In summer last year flash flood wreaked havoc on some parts of North Phyongan, Jagang and Ryanggang provinces in the DPRK.The gove
DPRK players returned home on December 27 after taking part in the Qatar International Weightlifting Cup 2025. They bagged 18 gold
December 29, 2025
DPRK players returned home on December 27 after taking part in the Qatar International Weightlifting Cup 2025. They bagged 18 gold
A men’s ice hockey match was held at the Ice Rink on December 27 to celebrate Constitution Day of the Democratic People’s Republic
December 29, 2025
A men’s ice hockey match was held at the Ice Rink on December 27 to celebrate Constitution Day of the Democratic People’s Republic
The following happened one day in June 1951 when the DPRK was fighting a fierce war against the US invaders. The great leader
December 29, 2025
The following happened one day in June 1951 when the DPRK was fighting a fierce war against the US invaders. The great leader
The Ryongwang Pavilion in Taedongmun-dong, Central District of the capital city of Pyongyang, is a historical relic representative
December 29, 2025
The Ryongwang Pavilion in Taedongmun-dong, Central District of the capital city of Pyongyang, is a historical relic representative
The Sci-Tech Complex has recently rendered tangible assistance to the units newly built in line with the regional development
December 28, 2025
The Sci-Tech Complex has recently rendered tangible assistance to the units newly built in line with the regional development
One early evening in August 2009, when the midday heat was still felt, Chairman Kim Jong Il visited the Pothonggang Shop newly
December 28, 2025
One early evening in August 2009, when the midday heat was still felt, Chairman Kim Jong Il visited the Pothonggang Shop newly
A lecture was given at the Central Youth Hall on December 26 to mark the 53rd anniversary of the enactment of the DPRK
December 28, 2025
A lecture was given at the Central Youth Hall on December 26 to mark the 53rd anniversary of the enactment of the DPRK
People in Kaephung District, Kaesong Municipality of the DPRK, greeted the moment of an auspicious event. An inauguration ceremony
December 28, 2025
People in Kaephung District, Kaesong Municipality of the DPRK, greeted the moment of an auspicious event. An inauguration ceremony
In Yomju County, a northwestern coastal area of the DPRK, modern regional-industry factories have been built as a solid foundation
December 28, 2025
In Yomju County, a northwestern coastal area of the DPRK, modern regional-industry factories have been built as a solid foundation
Over the past 10-odd years, workers’ hostels have been newly built in many units across the country.The workers’ hostel was inaugu
December 28, 2025
Over the past 10-odd years, workers’ hostels have been newly built in many units across the country.The workers’ hostel was inaugu
Fashionable dwelling houses have appeared at the Pumin Farm and Songhung Farm in Hamhung City, South Hamgyong Province of the
December 28, 2025
Fashionable dwelling houses have appeared at the Pumin Farm and Songhung Farm in Hamhung City, South Hamgyong Province of the
More Articles
