Dongnae fortress (Busan)

 fortification, tourist attraction

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Traditionally In Korea, a walled-fortress was erected in each town to keep it safe from invasions. In this area, called Dongnae, there were several borough-states after the Samhan period (the first century B.C.), Geochilsan-guk, Chilsan-guk, Jangsan-guk and Dongno-guk states are said to have been included among these. It is believed that walls had been already built here at that time.

However, the first mention of the Dongnae-eupseong that appears in historical records is when the wall was repaired in 1021, the twelfth year of the reign of King Hyeonjong of Goryeo Dynasty.

Since the Japanese began their invasions into Korea on April 14, 1592, Dongnae-eupseong, along with the Busanjin walled-fortress, became the first target by the Japanese. The Siege of Dongnae ensued here, in which General Song Sang-hyeon and all the other officials, troops and common people lost their lives.

The wall was repaired and expanded in 1713, extending its circumference to 5,240 meters. It had four gates: Jihuiru (east), Simseongnu (west), Muuru (south), and Eunillu (north). A wing fortress was built at the south gate and in addition, small fortifications were erected on the other three gates. At present, there are several restored structures within the wall, including the north gate with a fortification above, Dongjangdae, Seojangdae, Bukjangdae, Insaengmun (Gate), Chiseong wall, and a fortified small wall surrounding a gate.