Earthen Fortification in Jeongbuk-dong, Cheongju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.415

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

후삼국시대

Designated year

1999

Location

청주시, 충청북도— 충청북도 청주시 청원구 정북동 351-1

Coordinates

36.688596, 127.455331

This is an earthen fortification on the plains around Mihocheon Stream. The exact date when it was built is unknown, but we could assume that the fortification was built between the late 9th century and the early 10th century when the Three Kingdoms fought one another. This is based on records from Sangdangsanseong gogeumsajeokgi (History of Sangdangsanseong Fortress) saying that Gyeon Hwon built an earthen fortification -- believed to be this fortification -- in Jeongbuk-dong here after he took over Sangdangsanseong Fortress, which was built and used as the capital by Gung Ye. Note, however, that it could be older than assumed considering its location, the excavations from the site, and its excavated facilities, which are very similar to those found in older fortresses. The fortification is 675m long, 3.5m tall, and 8 to 13m wide. On the fortification site, old habitats, holes for the poles, roads, and pile of stone have been excavated. On the outside of the fortification, partial traces of a moat have been found. With its structure and excavated vestiges, the earthen fortification has given quite valuable clues to research on fortifications of ancient Korea.

Location