Did you know there are fortresses across Korea? Time for a road trip to find a fortress for every season. This blog will tell you the locations of 12 fortresses and what to expect.
Visiting Rural Fortresses
Explore history across South Korea by visiting a wide variety of big and small fortresses. These fortress walls usually connect to gorgeous hikes and take you to parts of Korea that you never imagined visiting. They are a doorway to wonder.
Reasons to Visit Rural Fortresses
The cool thing about hunting down the fortresses outside of Seoul is that they take you off the beaten path. You will discover amazing small towns, drive to the top of mountains, and get out to explore unique locations.
When you visit a rural historical places, you also escape the maddening crowd and connect more with the experience. Less is being sold and promoted to you. It’s the perfect experience for those who want more culture and less consumerism.
Big and Small Fortresses Beyond Seoul
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
031-290-3600
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Check the Web Link for current info on performances, fees, etc. The Suwon Fortress is a picturesque location that wraps though the center of the city of Suwon. Although the primary grounds have an entrance fee, much of the wall can be visited and viewed for free (but we recommend paying). There are stunning free performances held in front of the main gate that are highly recommended.
Hangul Address
경기 수원시 팔달구 정조로 825
Haemi Fortress
0507-1325-8006
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Constructed in 1491 (22nd year of King Seongjong), it has a circumference of 1,800m, a castle height of 5m, and an area of 196,381m2 inside the castle. The mission of defending the west coast.
Hangul Address
충남 서산시 해미면 읍내리
Sogeunjinseong Fortress
Only one pine tree remains from Jinseong era. Sogeun Jinseong Fortress had gates to the east, west, south and north, but now there is only the east gate. The west gate was facing the sea, and the east, south, and north walls were built using topographic features. It is said that the outside of the castle is about 4m and the inside of the castle is about 2m. There was a dock outside the west gate. A fortification built 500 years ago, was an important military base that defended against Japanese invaders and foreign enemies. Due to the Japanese invasion, the station was abandoned in the 22nd year of King Gongmin (1373) and the military was withdrawn. After that, in 1514, in the 9th year of King Jungjong, he built a castle and stationed troops to defend this area.
Hangul Address
Sogeun-ri Sowon-myeon Taean
Anheungseong Fortress
0416702257
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Anheungseong Fortress belonging to the 8th Gyeonggi Taean was built in 1655, and the circumference of the fortress is 1,714m. FREE
Hangul Address
충청남도 태안군 근흥면 안흥1길 19
Jinju Fortress
055-749-5171
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
A beautiful park and fortress.
Hangul Address
경상남도 진주시 남강로 626
Namwon Fortress
A small, barely there fortress.
Hangul Address
전라북도 남원시 동충동 385-1
Yeongwon Mountain Fortress
Hangul Address
강원도 원주시 판부면 금대리 산50-3
Busosan Fortress
Hangul Address
충남 부여군 부여읍 부소로 31
Geumseongsan Fortress
Hangul Address
전라남도 담양군 용면 도림리 산198-1
Sangdangsan Fortress
Beautiful, rural fortress that’s perfect for a family day hike.
Hangul Address
충청북도 청주시 상당구 산성동 172-1
Namhae Geumosan Fortress
A rural, barely developed mountain fortress hike.
Hangul Address
경상남도 남해군 창선면 당항리 102
Daeguksan Fortress
You will drive up a huge mountain fortress. There can be loose rocks so be sure to wear solid hiking shoes. This is a circular path follow the fortress wall, so plan on going the full length round.
Hangul Address
경상남도 남해군 고현면 남치리 산34-1
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