Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668) was one of the ancient states in the Korean history. Throughout its existence it distinguished itself as a military power in the East, beating off frequent foreign invasions and defending its sovereignty and dignity.
Koguryo owed its ages-long reputation and influence much to its excellent fort-based defence facilities.
It had so many forts that it was called a country of forts.
From its inception national defence was its most important state affair. It built a strong defence system by building a large number of forts in the places of military and strategic importance.
The forts were built in mountainous, flat and urban areas or in a lengthy way or in the form of a barrier. Eighty percent of them were built in mountainous areas. For example, the walled city of Jolbon, the first capital of Koguryo, was in a mountain.
Most of the forts of Koguryo were built in craggy mountains or near deep rivers and valleys to use the rough terrains as natural barriers containing the enemy’s military actions.
A typical example is the Taesongsan Fort in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK.
The Koguryo people paid close attention to ensuring the solidity of the walls.
At that time stone and earth were the main materials for building the walls, and most of the Koguryo forts were built with well-trimmed stones in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid.
The walls scores of kilometres long showcase the Koguryo people’s stone dressing and wall construction techniques.
The forts’ foundations built on bedrocks and in tiers are unique to the Koguryo forts.
As they were built by applying the most rational and developed wall construction techniques and experience, the forts of Koguryo were renowned as impregnable strongholds perfect in terms of structural durability and military and strategic requirements. They are still preserved as relics of national value.
Kim Hyok
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