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
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