Photo Gallery

Geumjeongsan Fortress - 금정산성 (金井山城) (built 1703 onward)

After the Japanese invasions of 1592-98 and the Manchu invasion of 1636 (from the north), the fragility of Korea's defenses were apparent to all. This fortress was built in the 29th year of King Sukjong (1703) to protect this area near the coast. The inner and outer walls were mainly built of natural stones, but weak portions were reinforced with artificially worked square stone blocks. The walls are about 17 kilometers long and between 1.5 to 3 meters in height. The area surrounded by the fortress is about 8.2 square kilometers.

The fortress was destroyed during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945) but began to be restored in 1972. The East, West, and South gates were restored by 1974 and the North Gate was rebuilt in 1989. It is obvious that fortresses had already been built on this site before 1700. Li Jihyeong, a naval commander, left a record in 1667 in which he mentions traces of an old fortress on the site. The construction of the fortress began in 1701 at the recommendation of Jo Taedong, the Governor of Gyeongsangdo province, and was completed in 1703. In 1707 the walls were built around the main structure of the fortress. The fortress fell into disuse, for it was too large to maintain. After lying empty for a century, it was repaired in 1807, the 7th year of the reign of King Sunjo. O Han-won, the Dongnae magistrate, took responsibility for rebuilding the west gate in 1807 and the other gates the following year. There is a stele recording the building of the gates.

Address: 부산 금정구 금성동 일원

(Designated Historical Site #215)