imjonseong (임존성)
A beautiful, large-scale mountain fortress with a twice-over violent history, Imjonseong was quite the surprise. Constructed by the Baekje Kingdom sometime before the 6th Century A.D., Imjonseong hosted what was left of the rebel Baekje army following the fall of the capital Sabi and capture of the royal family in 660. The Baekje restoration movement officially ended with the Battle of Baekgang in 663, but later that year, Imjonseong was successfully defended against an eleven-day assault by Silla. In an instance of history repeating itself, this fortress would become a key defensive site for the Later Baekje Kingdom in the 10th Century. Wang Geon (later named King Taejo) fought the Later Baekje King Gyeon Hwon at this site, paving the way for the foundation of Goryeo in 918.
Reaching the gate at the top of a steep climb up a sketchy trail, we weren’t exactly sure what we’d find.
The pavilion, however, removed all doubt as the view from this point was well worth the effort!
Around the corner Imjonseong reveals itself in spectacular manner, snaking its way downhill and then up again.
The usual Korean Three Kingdoms attention is paid at Imjonseong to drainage and water management. This small cistern lies just inside a gate (the one accessible by a difficult-to-find road and—more importantly—parking lot).
Really love how the long walls incorporate the large boulders projecting out of the side of the mountain.
On the west side of the fortress the terrain and wall climb almost vertically, making for an energetic outing to be sure.
As well—and probably owing to the difficulty of the climb and sheer drop-offs—the northwest segment of the wall show fewer and fewer signs of foot traffic. Rounding the northern segment, however, you quickly find both breathtaking views as well as a wide, easily discernible path.
As is often the case, the view of the surroundings from Imjonseong is pretty incredible.
View from the northern and eastern segments overlooks the lake and colorful valley below.