Exploring Ancient and Medieval Remains from Namwon Eupseong to Amakseong

Namwon is a vital transportation hub where the road over Baekdu-daegan meets the Seomjin River system, leaving behind fortresses and tombs from various eras. Namwon Eupseong explains the defense of the Joseon city center and the Battle of Namwon, while the Yumok-ri and Durak-ri tomb groups demonstrate the Gaya political structures and ancient exchanges. Amakseong and Cheokmun-ri Mountain Fortress allow you to directly verify the positioning of defensive structures guarding the mountain passages.

The Hwangsan Victory Monument is a commemorative site of the repulsion of the Japanese pirates at the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, while the Sajikdan shows how the state rituals of the town were conducted on the outskirts of the city. Since the six locations differ in period and region, it's better to divide them into separate visits to the city center, Unbong-Ayeong, and Ibaek-gwon. Let’s check the restoration range of the remains and their original locations on the information panels.

The tomb groups and mountain fortresses illustrate that Namwon was an important crossroads for east-west movement long before the Joseon Dynasty. The Eupseong and Sajikdan signify the defense and rituals of the administrative city, while the Hwangsan Victory Monument adds a way to convey the memory of battles to future generations. The less prominent the remains, the more observation is needed to connect the directions of ridges, rivers and paths, and the locations of earthen mounds and stone structures.

The mountain fortresses and tomb groups are adjacent to agricultural land and mountain paths, so one should not stray from the designated paths. The access areas may change due to excavation and maintenance, and shade and facilities are limited. Bring water and a hat, and aim to finish your exploration before sunset. If you jot down a line for each era, type of remains, and primary function, the scattered remains of Namwon will connect to form a coherent history of transportation and defense.