Fortress
Gwongeumseong
🇰🇷 South Korea · 12th century
Gwongeumseong (Korean: 권금성; Hanja: 權金城; MR: Kwŏn'gŭmsŏng), also known as Seoraksan Fortress or Onggeumsan Mountain Castle, is an ancient mountain fortress located in Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho, Gangwon Province, South Korea. Situated approximately 800 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of Seoraksan Mountain and the East Sea.
The exact date of construction is unclear, but it is believed to have been built during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Local legend attributes its construction to two generals named Gwon and Kim, who sought refuge from war. Some sources suggest it was built around the 13th century, possibly during the reign of King Gojong (r. 1213–1259), to serve as a military stronghold against foreign invasions, particularly the Mongols.
The fortress utilizes the natural rocky terrain as part of its defensive structure. Today, only remnants of the original fortress remain, including traces of stone walls. The site is characterized by its expansive stone floor and the surrounding rock formations.
Text adapted from “Gwongeumseong” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Gwongeumseong ranks #7,300 of 8,134 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #31 of the 58 mapped in South Korea. Founded c. 1155, it is older than 81% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 564 atlas entries founded in the 12th century. See how South Korea compares in the castle statistics.
View on the interactive castle map →Frequently asked questions
Where is Gwongeumseong?
Gwongeumseong stands in South Korea, at 38.16306°, 128.485°.
When was Gwongeumseong built?
The atlas dates its founding to c. 1155. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.
How famous is Gwongeumseong?
In this atlas's fame ranking: #7,300 of 8,134 worldwide, and #31 in South Korea. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.
What is the nearest castle to Gwongeumseong?
Cheongpung Mangwolsanseong Fortress, about 132 km away.
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