jangmisanseong (장미산성)
This fortress is thought to have been constructed by Goguryeo during the Three Kingdoms Period, potentially the farthest south of any fortification built by that kingdom. It was later occupied by Baekje and Silla in succession. Built along a steep ridgeline overlooking the Namhan River, this site would have provided control over access through the northern approach to Chungju and the fertile Han River Valley so coveted by all three Korean kingdoms.
The restored wall is quite elegant. It’s difficult to put my finger on it exactly, but there was something different about this Goguryeo fortification.
On the inside of the wall there is a small masonry step up onto the parapet.
We found multiple grave sites within Jangmisanseong. This one was the most picturesque.
Remnant of the parapet on the heights above the temple. The external face of the wall here is in pretty bad shape.
The view from Jangmisanseong is quite beautiful, despite the poor visibility.
Much of the wall making up Jangmisanseong is in disrepair or has been completely overgrown by vegetation.
That said, the surviving views are quite memorable.