In the embrace of Gwanaksan, a secret fortress walking through time: Hoamsanseong
There is a place embraced like a secret in the deep bosom of Gwanaksan Mountain for hundreds of years. Hoamsanseong quietly holds its own story even amidst the bustle of the city. This is not just an old fortress site, but a historical site where the spirit of Unified Silla and the wisdom of Joseon ancestors are layered. What message does this mountain fortress truly want to convey?
Below the winding fortress walls, the mysterious well called ‘Han-umul,’ which holds the legend of a dragon, still stands. What stories does this waterway hold, which overcame droughts and protected soldiers during wartime? Today, we embark on a time journey following the hidden stories of Hoamsanseong.
Breath of a Forgotten Dynasty: Hoamsanseong, its Historical Value
Hoamsanseong is a Silla fortress from the Three Kingdoms period located at the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain, showcasing a typical encircling mountain fortress (Temo-style) built along the ridge during the Unified Silla period. Its circumference measures a whopping 1,250m, but currently, only about 300m of the section shows its magnificent traces. This fortress wall is not just a simple pile of stones, but a legacy imbued with the firm will of ancient ancestors who sought to protect the central part of the Korean Peninsula.
The Water of Life Imbued with the Dragon’s Legend: The Story of Han-umul
Inside the fortress, there is a huge pond, namely ‘Han-umul,’ measuring 22m in length and 12m in width. This well, sturdily built with granite, has the nickname ‘Yongbo (龍洑).’ Its importance can be glimpsed from records stating that rain rituals were performed during droughts and it was used as a military water supply during wars. The exact time this well was made is not known, but interesting facts were revealed during the repair process.
| Period | Size | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Three Kingdoms Period | Current lower layer of the pond | Original form |
| Unified Silla Period | Current lower layer of the pond | Stone laid askew on top of the Three Kingdoms period pond |
| Early Joseon Dynasty | 22m east-west, 12m north-south, 1.2m deep | Repaired and rebuilt into the current pond shape |
This multilayered structure is vivid evidence demonstrating that Hoamsanseong was consistently managed and utilized as a strategic stronghold for a long time.
Connection Beyond Time: Exploring the Surroundings of Hoamsanseong
The Way to Hidden History
Klook.comHoamsanseong is located in Siheung-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, offering good accessibility. The path ascending along the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain provides a special experience where you can escape the city center and enjoy both nature and history simultaneously. After traveling to Siheung-dong by public transportation, you can find traces of the fortress by following the Gwanaksan hiking trail.
Hoamsanseong: Tips for Enjoying More Broadly
- Connect with Hoapsa Temple Near the fortress, there is the traditional temple Hoapsa, where you can visit together and feel the serene beauty of the temple. The unique harmony created by the fortress and the temple leaves a deep impression on visitors.
- Gwanaksan Dulle-gil (Circular Trail) Hoamsanseong is part of the Gwanaksan Dulle-gil course, a great place to walk while appreciating the beautiful natural scenery of the surroundings. If you want to experience a historical site along with a light hike, we recommend the Dulle-gil course.
- Ample Time It is advisable to plan for ample time to explore the fortress and its surrounding attractions. Especially, don’t miss the pleasure of carefully examining various cultural heritage items, such as Han-umul and the stone guardian statues.
Fortress Trekking Checklist
- Comfortable Shoes Since you will be walking on mountain trails, comfortable hiking boots or sneakers are essential.
- Plenty of Water and Snacks There are no snack bars on the mountain, so it’s best to prepare in advance.
- Season-Appropriate Attire In spring and autumn, bring a light jacket; in summer, bring a UV protection hat and sunglasses.
- Take Your Trash Back For the sake of clean nature and historical sites, please make sure to take back any trash you bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What period is Hoamsanseong from, and what are its main features?
Hoamsanseong is a mountain fortress built during the Silla period of the Three Kingdoms era, characterized by its Temo-style structure, built by encircling the ridge. Inside the fortress, a pond called ‘Han-umul’ remains, which was prepared for droughts and wars.
Q2. What is the historical significance of ‘Han-umul’ within Hoamsanseong?
Han-umul was considered sacred enough to have the nickname Yongbo, and during droughts, rain rituals were performed, and during wars, it was used as a military water supply. Traces of repairs spanning several periods have been discovered, leading one to infer its importance.
Q3. Are there any good places to visit near Hoamsanseong?
Yes, the traditional temple Hoapsa is located near Hoamsanseong, making it a good place to visit together. Additionally, it is part of the Gwanaksan Dulle-gil course, so it is excellent for walking while enjoying nature.
Q4. What are some points to note or things to prepare when visiting Hoamsanseong?
Since hiking is involved, it is recommended to prepare comfortable shoes and plenty of water. For the protection of cultural heritage, please take your trash back, and it is important to use the designated trails.
Q5. What is the currently remaining length of Hoamsanseong’s fortress wall?
The entire circumference of Hoamsanseong is approximately 1,250m, but currently, clear traces of the fortress wall can only be found in about a 300m section. You can imagine the appearance of the old fortress wall while walking along the remaining section.
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