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Samnyon (Fortress) Wall

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party.

Korea, Republic of (Asia and the Pacific)

Date of Submission: 01/09/1994
Criteria: (ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)
Category: Cultural
Submission prepared by:
Office of Cultural Properties
Coordinates:
Mt.Ojongsan, Oam-Ni, Poun-Up, Poun-Gun Long.127°45' East Lat.36°29' North
Ref.: 383

Description

Erected along the ridge of Mt. Ojongsan, the construction of this Shilla period wall took three years to complete, the work beginning in 470. It was later restored in 486. According to the Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), it is called the Samnyon (three year) Wall because it took three years to complete.

The total length of the wall measures 1,680 meters while the height is uneven, measuring approximately 13-20 meters as it was erected to accommodate the topography. The wall is very sturdy as flat rectangular natural rocks were laid lengthwise and widthwise in alternate layers. In some parts, the wall was erected using only stones while some parts of the inner wall feature kneaded earth, displaying different methods of construction.

On this wall remain four gate sites, seven jar-shaped guardpost sites, five well sites, and a floodpassage. The gates are considered to be located in all four directions measuring approximately 4.5 meters in width. The floodpassage is confirmed to have been located in the westerly direction, topographically the lowest part. To the east is a pentagon shaped floodgate measuring 65 X 45cm located approximately one metre high on the wall. The guardposts measure 25 meters in circumference and 8.3 meters in height. They are located in the part connected to the ridge, where enemy approach was the easiest.