UNESCO World Heritage Site Namhansanseong Fortress
Olga
4 hours ago
Not far from Seoul, there's a magnificent fortress that left a lasting impression on me. It's Namhansanseong Fortress.
Namhansanseong is an unique fortress city situated on Namhan Mountain 500m above sea level and 25km southeast of Seoul. It served as an emergency capital city during the 1392–1910 Joseon period. It was built in 1626, the fourth year of the reign of King Injo of the Joseon dynasty, on the former site of Jujangseong Fortress, which was built almost one thousand years earlier, in 672, during the reign of King Munmu of the Unified Silla dynasty.
The well-preserved castle wall, Namhansanseong Fortress has a total length 12.4km alongside with its well-maintained hiking trails. The main hiking trail practically encircled the circumference of the fortress and is easy to walk. The beautiful pine forest located within the walls of Namhansanseong Fortress is the largest pine colony in the capital area. Namhansanseong set in a vast and exquisite nature landscape, has a lot to offer especially for the nature lovers.
For those who are more adventurous, you can detour from the main hiking trail and get on the stairs for the hike right alongside the fortress in some sections. The path will generally leads to the main hiking trail. You can check the signs and maps along on the way to ensure you are on the course.
From the walls of the fortress, magnificent views of Seoul and the surrounding area are opened, which are breathtaking.
The real gem of the fort is an Emergency Palace. Namhansanseong was constructed as an emergency capital city during war, and administrative center during peace. It had an emergency palace for the king, military buildings, and accommodations for regular people. It was capable of housing around 4,000 people.Thus, both commoners and king were expected to live in the fortress, unlike in some European castles where commoners were made to live outside the fortifications.
It was a self-contained palace with the King's Office & Living Quarters, Local Administration Hall, Royal Ancestral Shrine, Altar, Pond, Pavilion and a Rear Garden, surrounded by defensive fortress.
The Namhansanseong Emergency Palace, though not particularly big, is surprisingly beautiful and scenic at every corner from its unique stone stairways, multiple doorways in a straight line to the rear garden.
You can even see the reconstructed furniture and interior of the palace.
The palace is built in a traditional style, but it still differs from Seoul palaces with more reinforced protection and simplicity.
Next to the palace is the Royal Ancestral Shrine. Near it begins the walking trail to the fortress wall.
It was a great day spent in the mountains with gorgeous views of autumn Korea and immersed in history. I recommend a must visit to all nature and history lovers of Korea.
