Sacheon Castle (사천 왜성)
Japanese construction at Sacheon began in 1592, as noted by Admiral Yi during the First Battle of Sacheon, featured in the opening scenes of the movie “Hansan: Rising Dragon”. Positioned well west of the primary base at Busan, it was well-placed to support both naval and ground endeavors even farther west. The completion date of the fortress is not known, but it was apparently done in time for the Second Battle of Sacheon in 1598. This ground assault by a combined Ming Chinese and Joseon Korean army ended only when sparks set off the allied gunpowder stores causing a massive explosion. The Japanese defenders took advantage of the ensuing confusion to counter-attack, ending the siege. Sacheon would play a final role in the war as the launching point for the Japanese fleet destroyed at Noryang in December of 1598, as part of Admiral Yi’s dying endeavor.
(click to view enlarged pictures)
What remains of the outer—packed earth—wall protecting the land side of Sacheon Castle. This pronounced embankment would have been topped by a wood and plaster wall with loopholes to allow the shooting of firearms and bows.
The well-developed, stone-lined drainage inside the earthen wall makes me wonder if this portion of the Japanese Sacheon Castle was built upon an existing—older—Korean fortress site.
There is a small exhibition hall on the grounds as well, but it wasn’t open when we visited.
The stone-built castle lies farther to the west, on a bluff overlooking the coast. One pathway leads south toward a likely gate complex. The corner of low stone wall is visible atop the hill here.
The other leads to what was probably the main gate. The wall and entryway is visible atop the hill.
Stairs leading up into another level takes you to the honmaru and a simple inner gate complex.
Interesting design elements at play at Sacheon. The stone walls are much lower than would be considered normal in Japan. This simple gate is the only remaining gate on the site.
Typical fan-shaped corner construction developed in Japan to make castle walls earthquake proof. Unnecessary in Korea, but this is how castles were made back home and so this is how the Japanese built their fortresses on the Peninsula.
The seaside wall leading up to the stone base of the tenshu or keep. Sacheon Bay lies to the left (West) of this picture.
The triple staircase leading up to the tenshu is unique to Sacheon.
There is a monument atop the tenshu base, but it has nothing to do with the Imjin War. Instead it recognizes the sacrifices made by the early Korean Air Force during the Korean War.
View from atop the tenshu base. The First Battle of Sacheon in 1592 took place out on the bay visible through the trees. Would have offered a great vantage point to watch the Turtle Ship in action!
The “Tomb of Noses” reflects a mass burial of noses taken from dead Korean and Chinese troops after the siege of 1598.
This memorial recognizes the Ming and Joseon allied troops lost during the 1598 Siege of Sacheon. The large burial mound on the grounds marks a mass grave for the fallen.
Finally—as if there weren’t already enough history at the site—on the eastern corner sits a memorial to local participants and casualties of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Plaques recognizing the UN contribution as well as ROK units are included.
A final note on Sacheon. Our first attempt to locate this Japanese castle back in 2010 failed for a simple reason. Locally it is known as “Seonjiri Fortress”. This is the name of the local municipality and is now the only name you’ll find on local road signs. Yet “Sacheon Castle” or “Sacheon Fortress” (사천 왜성) is how it is referred to in history books, to include all those covering the Imjin War. Navigation should still bring you there just note that when you get close, the road sign references won’t match your phone/navigation system. Don’t worry…you’re going the right way!
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