Mount Taesong Fortress

Mount Taesong Fortress

Mount Taesong Fortress is located in “Taesong-dong,” in the northeastern part of Pyongyang’s city center in North Korea. It is a mountain fortress built during the Goguryeo period, and its moss-covered ruins can be seen on the southern slope of Surabong Peak. It is said that this fortress was an important military facility constructed from the mid-3rd century. After the Goguryeo capital was moved to Pyongyang in 427 AD, it became a fortress defending the capital.

Mount Taesong Fortress is an oval-shaped stone fortress that connects six peaks of Mount Taesong: Eulji Peak (270 meters high), Zhuque Peak, Surabong Peak, Jiangshuai Peak, Beijiangtai, and Guoshi Peak. The fortress has a circumference of over 7,000 meters, with total wall length exceeding 9,000 meters, and is equipped with comprehensive defensive facilities. The southern gate of the fortress stands 19.5 meters tall, with its platform and pillar stones constructed from meticulously dressed square granite. The front of the gatehouse is five bays wide (17.15 meters) and two bays deep (6.3 meters), forming a two-story structure. Steps are located on both sides behind the platform, and the thick, bulging pillars convey a strong sense of security. The inner four pillars also serve as supports for the second floor, creating an open and airy feel. Moreover, the interior and exterior of the fortress gatehouse are adorned with elaborate dancheong (traditional Korean painted decoration), featuring patterns such as vine, cloud, and flame motifs. It also depicts vivid scenes of infantry soldiers marching boldly while holding swords, spears, and shields, as well as armored cavalry warriors. There are also lively images of horseback hunters chasing tigers and deer.

Fort of Mountain Taesong

Why go: One of the greatest defensive structures in Korean history

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: North Korea [North Korea]

Province/State: Pyongyang Directly Governed City [Pyongyang Directly Governed City]

City: Chung-guyok [Chung-guyok]