The one surviving (reconstructed) gatehouse at Jaseongdae. The lower walls of this fortification once rose just above the level of the surf at Busan Harbor. The opening salvos of the Imjin War took place here and at another set of fortifications just off to the east.
Another view of the gatehouse. Note the presence of tall, modern apartment buildings in the background. This is clear evidence of the extent to which land has been reclaimed from the sea at Busan.
Steps nearing the top of Jaseongdae. The staircase, made more durable using concrete—likely during preservation and reconstruction of the ruin—in 1974. The walls of Jaseongdae change rapidly from the vertical Korean style to the sloping Japanese as one moves up the low fortified hill.
Two looks (above) at the characteristic corner construction of the gracefully sloping style of Japanese castle wall construction. The corners of such large masonry constructions make very clear who built the existing upper levels of this fortress. It is highly likely, given the nature of Korean castle construction at the time, that the original fortress had no walls beyond the outer rampart pierced by gates. The heights would have provided ample positions from which to rain arrows down on attackers without resorting to additional buildings or walls inside (and above).
Joseon-era, two-story building atop Jaseongdae. Similar in appearance to structures constructed later by the Yi Dynasty at places like Suwon. This would have served as the command center for the fortification, providing 360-degree views around the high ground.
