Myeonghwalseong Fortress, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.47

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 보문동

Coordinates

35.840347, 129.262627

This Silla (57 B.C. ~ A.D. 935) fortress is at the peak of Myeonghwalsan Mountain east of Gyeongju. The fortress is believed to have been constructed before 400, since Kim Bu-sik's Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) states that it was attacked in the fourth year of the reign of King Silseong (402~417). The fact that it is constructed of piled up stones also indicates that it was built before 400, the early Silla Period. This fortress was besieged and assailed by Japanese pirates in 431, the 15th year of the reign of King Nulji, since it was important to protect the capital of the Silla Dynasty, Geumseong, the fortress was reconstructed in 544, the 15th year of the reign of King Jinheung, and enlarged in 593, the 15th year of the reign of King Jinpyeong. Most of the walls were destroyed. The inscription on the Monument of Construction of Myeonghwalsanseong described the situation during the reign of King Jinheung, and pieces of the monument of Myeonghwalsanseong were discovered. This fortress encircling the summit of Myeonghwalsan Mountain was used, along with the Namsan, Seondosan, and Bukhyeongsan fortresses, to protect Gyeongju during the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. ~ A.D. 935). It saw action in 647 when Kim Yusin, one of the most famous Silla generals, suppressed a rebellion against Queen Seondeok (632~647).

Location