Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668) was one of the ancient states in the Korean history. Throughout its existence it distinguished itself as a military power in the East, beating off frequent foreign invasions and defending its sovereignty and dignity.
Koguryo owed its ages-long reputation and influence much to its excellent fort-based defence facilities.
It had so many forts that it was called a country of forts.
From its inception national defence was its most important state affair. It built a strong defence system by building a large number of forts in the places of military and strategic importance.
The forts were built in mountainous, flat and urban areas or in a lengthy way or in the form of a barrier. Eighty percent of them were built in mountainous areas. For example, the walled city of Jolbon, the first capital of Koguryo, was in a mountain.
Most of the forts of Koguryo were built in craggy mountains or near deep rivers and valleys to use the rough terrains as natural barriers containing the enemy’s military actions.
A typical example is the Taesongsan Fort in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK.
The Koguryo people paid close attention to ensuring the solidity of the walls.
At that time stone and earth were the main materials for building the walls, and most of the Koguryo forts were built with well-trimmed stones in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid.
The walls scores of kilometres long showcase the Koguryo people’s stone dressing and wall construction techniques.
The forts’ foundations built on bedrocks and in tiers are unique to the Koguryo forts.
As they were built by applying the most rational and developed wall construction techniques and experience, the forts of Koguryo were renowned as impregnable strongholds perfect in terms of structural durability and military and strategic requirements. They are still preserved as relics of national value.
Kim Hyok
More From Naenara (En)
The Hamhung Grand Theatre was remodelled in South Hamgyong Province of the DPRK. The grand theatre with a total floor space of
December 08, 2025
The Hamhung Grand Theatre was remodelled in South Hamgyong Province of the DPRK. The grand theatre with a total floor space of
Modern villages have sprung up at the Hungsang Farm in Ragwon County and the Township Farm in Kumya County, South Hamgyong
December 08, 2025
Modern villages have sprung up at the Hungsang Farm in Ragwon County and the Township Farm in Kumya County, South Hamgyong
The Mindulle Paper Mill has been remodelled. The mill, a labour-, water- and plot-saving enterprise, is furnished with various
December 07, 2025
The Mindulle Paper Mill has been remodelled. The mill, a labour-, water- and plot-saving enterprise, is furnished with various
South Hamgyong Province of the DPRK has remodelled the Hamhung Koryo Medicine Pharmaceutical Factory. The factory, furnished with
December 07, 2025
South Hamgyong Province of the DPRK has remodelled the Hamhung Koryo Medicine Pharmaceutical Factory. The factory, furnished with
A black swan breeding base has been newly built at the Anju Duck Farm in South Phyongan Province, the DPRK. The construction of
December 07, 2025
A black swan breeding base has been newly built at the Anju Duck Farm in South Phyongan Province, the DPRK. The construction of
Picturesque socialist ideal villages have appeared in Ogye-ri of Anbyon County and Sangja-ri and Jungyong-ri of Wonsan City,
December 07, 2025
Picturesque socialist ideal villages have appeared in Ogye-ri of Anbyon County and Sangja-ri and Jungyong-ri of Wonsan City,
It happened one day in November 2016 when the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited a fishery station.Seeing the outdoor unloading
December 07, 2025
It happened one day in November 2016 when the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited a fishery station.Seeing the outdoor unloading
The mung-bean jelly salad is one of the favourite foods of the Korean people. The dish is made with the mung-bean jelly as the
December 07, 2025
The mung-bean jelly salad is one of the favourite foods of the Korean people. The dish is made with the mung-bean jelly as the
Modern rural dwellings which have been built at the Jamjin Farm in Kangso District and the Ryongho Farm in Ryonggang County,
December 06, 2025
Modern rural dwellings which have been built at the Jamjin Farm in Kangso District and the Ryongho Farm in Ryonggang County,
North Hamgyong Province of the DPRK newly built the Chongjin Water Park. The public service centre with unique architectural and
December 06, 2025
North Hamgyong Province of the DPRK newly built the Chongjin Water Park. The public service centre with unique architectural and
South Phyongan Province in the DPRK newly built an environmental protection institute. The construction of the institute furnished
December 06, 2025
South Phyongan Province in the DPRK newly built an environmental protection institute. The construction of the institute furnished
One day in December 2019, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the Yangdok Hot Spring Resort nearing completion. Going around
December 06, 2025
One day in December 2019, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the Yangdok Hot Spring Resort nearing completion. Going around
The Kwanum Temple is situated in the area of the Pagyon Falls resort in Pagyon-ri, Kaesong Municipality. Before the temple was
December 06, 2025
The Kwanum Temple is situated in the area of the Pagyon Falls resort in Pagyon-ri, Kaesong Municipality. Before the temple was
The Hamhung Wheat Processing Factory has been remodelled in South Hamgyong Province of the DPRK. The factory, which has been
December 06, 2025
The Hamhung Wheat Processing Factory has been remodelled in South Hamgyong Province of the DPRK. The factory, which has been
Usanjang zelkova grows in Usanjang, a scenic spot on the west coast of Korea. The 16m-high tree is 5m round at the root neck, 4.4m
December 06, 2025
Usanjang zelkova grows in Usanjang, a scenic spot on the west coast of Korea. The 16m-high tree is 5m round at the root neck, 4.4m
North Hamgyong Province in the DPRK successfully rebuilt the Kyongsong Tile Factory. The remodelling of the factory furnished with
December 05, 2025
North Hamgyong Province in the DPRK successfully rebuilt the Kyongsong Tile Factory. The remodelling of the factory furnished with
The Nampho Fuel Oil Manufactory produces different kinds of functional nano-PVC sheets. The sheets can be used for seedbed,
December 05, 2025
The Nampho Fuel Oil Manufactory produces different kinds of functional nano-PVC sheets. The sheets can be used for seedbed,
South Phyongan Province in the DPRK has newly built the Institute of Agricultural Science. The comprehensive research base with
December 05, 2025
South Phyongan Province in the DPRK has newly built the Institute of Agricultural Science. The comprehensive research base with
The AI Technology Institute of the AI Faculty of Kim Il Sung University has been designated as one of the top ten IT businesses of
December 05, 2025
The AI Technology Institute of the AI Faculty of Kim Il Sung University has been designated as one of the top ten IT businesses of
A meeting took place at the Central Youth Hall in the DPRK on December 3 to mark the International Day of Persons with
December 05, 2025
A meeting took place at the Central Youth Hall in the DPRK on December 3 to mark the International Day of Persons with
More Articles
