M. G. Haynes

Hideyoshi's invasion of the Korean kingdom of Choseon in 1592 sparked a devastating war that lasted for 6 long years.  This war is known by Koreans as the Imjin Waerang, or Imjin War.  During that time, and in spite of phenomenal Japanese success on land against conventional opponents, the Korean Navy and "Righteous Armies" of guerrillas choked off Japanese supply lines and the invading army was forced to retreat to the small toe-hold they'd established on the southeastern coast.  These forces retreated, in fact, to a series of fortifications called "waeseong" by the Koreans, built to protect lines of supply and communication from rampaging Korean fleets and guerrilla bands.  Remains of these castles can still be seen today, and I've been to a handful to date yet have a great desire to see them all.  If you're interested in learning more about these forgotten fortifications, check out Stephen Turnball's "Japanese Castles in Korea 1592-98," a most concise and informative work by Osprey Publishing.  It's detailed enough to be used as a map and travel guide and I made good use of it while conducting my own travels near Busan.

(Click on the photos below to see more of each castle)

seosaengpo castle

On the Southeast coast of Korea only 30 kilometers from Busan lies the elongated Japanese waeseong ruin of Seosangpo.  This fortification was built in 1592-3 and then garrisoned by Kato Kiyomasa.  The fortress protected the small harbor below as well as the Eastern land approach to Busan itself.

Ungcheon Castle

Located on the Southern coast of Korea west of Busan is the Japanese waeseong ruin of Ungcheon.  This castle was constructed in 1592-3 and garrisoned by Konishi Yukinaga.  The castle is noteworthy for uncharacteristically long walls running down to the coast protecting it's own harbor.  Ungcheon holds a more interesting place in Korean history, however, as supposedly the first Catholic Mass ever held on Korean soil was performed here for the Christian Japanese General and his troops.

Suncheon Castle

The only surviving waeseong erected in Jeolla Province, this castle was attacked in a joint operation between the Choseon Navy and Ming Chinese Army in 1598.  The assault was unsuccessful, but the castle was abandoned shortly thereafter as the Japanese withdrew their forces from the Korean peninsula.  This castle was also garrisoned by Konishi Yukinaga, who escaped during the Battle of Noryang just to the east.