Remember Baekje. It was a kingdom that once thrived on these very lands. Today we stand before the Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortification. It is a relic of that era. This ancient fortress whispers tales of kings and battles long past.
The Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortification dates back to the Hanseong period of Baekje. That’s around the 3rd to 4th centuries AD. Imagine this site back then. The Hangang River flowed nearby providing a natural defense. The fortress was built utilizing this to its advantage. Trenches and log barriers added extra protection.
This wasn’t just a pile of dirt. The Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortification served a vital defensive purpose. Some historians believe that Pungnaptoseong was the king’s main castle. They think Mongchontoseong was its important auxiliary defense. The kingdom used it until they moved their capital due to attacks.
After Goguryeo’s attacks in 475 CE, the Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortification lost its importance. It fell into disuse.
Fast forward to 1988. Seoul prepared to host the Olympic Games. Construction crews stumbled upon this ancient historical site. Excavations unearthed gates towers and even ancient dwellings. These discoveries transformed the site into a historical park.
Today the Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortification sits within Olympic Park. This creates an unusual blend of history and recreation. Locals and tourists can freely stroll through the grounds. They can imagine life here centuries ago. The earthen walls blend seamlessly with the park’s green spaces.
While you’re here I encourage you to visit the Mongchon History Hall. See Baekje artifacts unearthed from this very site. The Umjip Site Exhibition Hall is also fascinating. It displays four excavated sites as they appeared in the past.
Notice the single massive juniper tree standing in the field. Locals call it the “single tree”. Its deep green color provides a striking image against the landscape of Mongchontoseong.
Take a walk across Gommaldari. It is also known as Gommal Bridge. “Gommal” is the old Korean word for “Mongchon.” “Mong” means “dream” and “chon” means “village.” Therefore Gommaldari literally translates to “Bridge of the Dream Village”.
The Seoul Baekje Museum is designed to resemble the contours of Mongchontoseong. Its shape represents a ship symbolizing the maritime power of the Hanseong Baekje Kingdom.
The Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortification stands as a testament to a bygone era. It reminds us of the Baekje Kingdom’s rich history. Take a moment to appreciate this blend of nature history and culture. Let us carry the stories of this fortress in our hearts.