Garimseong Fortress, Buyeo

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.4

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

동성왕 23년(501)

Designated year

1963

Location

부여군, 충청남도— 충남 부여군 임천면 성흥로97번길 167 (군사리)

Coordinates

36.197603, 126.899642

Garimseong Fortress in Buyeo is known to have been built to protect two successive capitals of Baekje (17 BCE – 660), Ungjinseong and Sabiseong. Located on a site overlooking the entire lower reaches of the Geumgang River, the fortress was completed in 501 under the supervision of a Baekje aristocrat named Baek Ga. According to Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), Baek Ga rebelled against King Dongseong (r. 479-501) of Baekje, and slew him. The rebellion was, however, promptly quelled by his successor King Munyeong (r. 501-523). The fortress contains features of its three main gates along with three wells and other defensive facilities - although they are now nothing but ruins. Its wall, built with stone and earth, was designed to enclose the entire summit. The fortress was also used as the last stronghold of Baekje resistance during the Baekje Restoration Movement (660-663), and contains a shrine built to honor Yu Geum-pil (?-941), a Goryeo general who helped the poor and needy of the area in times of turbulence. It is an important historical heritage in that its construction date is clearly known along with the old names of the towns scattered around the area.

Location