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)
The participants in the Ninth Congress of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea attended a crash course in Pyongyang on
May 14, 2026
The participants in the Ninth Congress of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea attended a crash course in Pyongyang on
Today, monumental structures are mushrooming across the DPRK. This proves the validity and vitality of the construction policy of
May 14, 2026
Today, monumental structures are mushrooming across the DPRK. This proves the validity and vitality of the construction policy of
The Ninth Congress of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea was held in Pyongyang on May 11 and 12. The congress
May 14, 2026
The Ninth Congress of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea was held in Pyongyang on May 11 and 12. The congress
The 23rd May 21 Architectural Festival opened with due ceremony at the Sci-Tech Complex in the DPRK on May 12 under the
May 14, 2026
The 23rd May 21 Architectural Festival opened with due ceremony at the Sci-Tech Complex in the DPRK on May 12 under the
DPRK weightlifter Pang Un Chol won gold medals at the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships which is being held in India. The
May 14, 2026
DPRK weightlifter Pang Un Chol won gold medals at the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships which is being held in India. The
The Kangso Mineral Water Bottling Factory in the DPRK specializes in the production of the Kangso mineral water which contributes
May 14, 2026
The Kangso Mineral Water Bottling Factory in the DPRK specializes in the production of the Kangso mineral water which contributes
Among the past crimes committed by Japan against humanity is its plundering of the marine resources in Korea.Japan, which had alre
May 14, 2026
Among the past crimes committed by Japan against humanity is its plundering of the marine resources in Korea.Japan, which had alre
Le Hoai Trung, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and foreign minister of
May 14, 2026
Le Hoai Trung, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and foreign minister of
A granite tower built in the early period of the Koryo dynasty (918-1392) stands in Haeju City, South Hwanghae Province. The tower
May 13, 2026
A granite tower built in the early period of the Koryo dynasty (918-1392) stands in Haeju City, South Hwanghae Province. The tower
From olden times Koreans have extensively used spas containing sulphur and salts in promoting their health and preventing and
May 13, 2026
From olden times Koreans have extensively used spas containing sulphur and salts in promoting their health and preventing and
The botanical institute of the State Academy of Sciences in the DPRK has recently established a red oak cultivation technique that
May 13, 2026
The botanical institute of the State Academy of Sciences in the DPRK has recently established a red oak cultivation technique that
A South Phyongan provincial friendship delegation of the DPRK led by Ri Song Bom, chairman of the South Phyongan Provincial
May 13, 2026
A South Phyongan provincial friendship delegation of the DPRK led by Ri Song Bom, chairman of the South Phyongan Provincial
The quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup were held between DPRK and Thai teams on May 11.The DPRK team succeeded i
May 13, 2026
The quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup were held between DPRK and Thai teams on May 11.The DPRK team succeeded i
Last year, a man who sustained multiple injuries in an accident was admitted to Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences Hospital.
May 12, 2026
Last year, a man who sustained multiple injuries in an accident was admitted to Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences Hospital.
One day in July 2024, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un convened the 22nd emergency enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of
May 11, 2026
One day in July 2024, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un convened the 22nd emergency enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of
Established on November 10, 1945, the Kim Jong Thae Electric Locomotive Complex is a leading rolling stock producer and a parent
May 11, 2026
Established on November 10, 1945, the Kim Jong Thae Electric Locomotive Complex is a leading rolling stock producer and a parent
A military parade was held at Red Square in Moscow on May 9 to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great
May 11, 2026
A military parade was held at Red Square in Moscow on May 9 to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great
The Eighth Congress of the Socialist Women’s Union of Korea is to be held in Pyongyang in mid-July 2026. The 15th Plenary
May 10, 2026
The Eighth Congress of the Socialist Women’s Union of Korea is to be held in Pyongyang in mid-July 2026. The 15th Plenary
The Koryo medicine pharmaceutical factory has been remodelled in Jangphung County, Kaesong Municipality of the DPRK. Its
May 10, 2026
The Koryo medicine pharmaceutical factory has been remodelled in Jangphung County, Kaesong Municipality of the DPRK. Its
The 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup is under way in China.The DPRK team belonging to Group C beat the Chinese Taipei team 10-0 and
May 10, 2026
The 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup is under way in China.The DPRK team belonging to Group C beat the Chinese Taipei team 10-0 and
More Articles
