Busanjinseong
A Japanese-built fortress later used by Joseon and Ming forces.
Busanjinseong is a fortress in Beomil-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea. It goes by several names, including the Branch Wall-fortress in Busanjin, Maruyama Castle, and Konishi Castle. The stone walls that still stand today were built by Japanese forces during the Imjin War. The site is also called Mangongdae, a name that honors Ming-dynasty General Wan Shide, who stayed at Jaseongdae to support Korean defenders in that conflict.
There are two theories about the name Jaseong, meaning "Subordinate Castle." One holds that it was the wall-fortress on Jeungsan Mountain, with Jwacheon-dong as its mother castle. The other claims Jaseong was built on the mountain peak as a general's terrace. After General Wan Shide returned home, the wall-fortress was repaired.
The fortress's origin ties to the fact that Busanjinseong was once called Jiseong or Jaseong Fortress, and Jaseongdae was made from Jiseong to form a pole. It served as the headquarters for the Gyeongsangjwa-do navy, which later moved to the Jwasuyeong fortress site, and also as the Busanjin Naval Headquarters. During the Japanese occupation, the wall-fortress was removed. Around that time, the sea near Jaseongdae was filled in, shrinking the site, though it was later repaired.
In Busanpo, there were inner and outer fortresses surrounding Jeungsan Mountain behind the main industrial complex. Jaseungdae was built as an open fortress. When Japanese troops stationed in Busan during the 1592 invasion, they rebuilt it as a barracks. It was also called Soseoseong and Hwansanseong Fortress. In Japan, it was known as Maruyama Castle and Konishi Castle when Busanjinseong was a Japanese fortress—and it is still called Maruyama Castle there today. The Japanese used it as a command post. After they were driven out, troops under Ming commander Mansedeok stayed, giving it the name Mangongdae. Following the invasion, the fortress and Sadaemun Gate were built, government offices were repaired, and it became lodging for the Jwa Do-su Military Preceptor.
The castle is thought to have been built in 1593, alongside the main Busanjinseong Fortress on Jeungsan Mountain, by Mōri Hidemoto and his son, who were in charge of Gyeongsang Province. Meanwhile, Japanese leader Asano Nagayoshi is believed to have contracted or expanded it in 1598 during the invasion.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
- Built
- 1593, rebuilt 1974
- Builder
- Mōri Terumoto (1593)
- Materials
- stone, wood, plaster walls (original)
- Height
- 1.5-10m
- In Use
- 1593–1895
- Demolished
- 1910 as a result of the order of the demolish to Korea's Fortress by Japanese government.
- Condition
- Reconstructed, serves as historic site
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
During the Imjin War, Japanese troops stationed in Busan rebuilt the fortress as a Japanese barracks. It was called Soseoseong and Hwansanseong Fortress, and in Japan, Maruyama Castle and Konishi Castle. It served as a Japanese command post. After the Japanese were driven out, Ming troops under Mansedeok (Wan Shide) stayed, leading to the name Mangongdae. The fortress was repaired after General Wan Shide returned home. The castle is known to have been built in 1593, along with the main Busanjinseong Fortress, by Mōri Hidemoto, and Japanese leader Asano Nagayoshi is believed to have contracted or expanded it in 1598.
Reader's Guide
Busanjinseong holds significance as a multi-layered historical site reflecting the Imjin War's impact on the Korean peninsula. Originally constructed by Japanese forces as a barracks and command post, it later served as a base for Ming reinforcements and was subsequently used by the Joseon navy as the Busanjin Naval Headquarters. Its name changes—from Busanjinjiseong to Busanjinseong in 2020—and its multiple appellations (Maruyama Castle, Konishi Castle, Mangongdae) illustrate the complex cultural and military exchanges of the period. The fortress also functioned as the headquarters of the Gyeongsangjwa-do navy before that command moved to Jwasuyeong. Despite damage and reduction during Japanese occupation, it was repaired and continued in use. The site's legacy is preserved in historical records such as the Chungnyeolsa Temple Site and Yeongnamjinji, which note its role as a base and the establishment of structures like Yukwoojeong. Today, it remains a tangible link to the Imjin War and the subsequent Ming and Joseon military presence in Busan.
Did You Know?
- The fortress was also called Mangongdae in memory of Ming-dynasty General Wan Shide.
- It was known in Japan as Maruyama Castle and Konishi Castle.
- The original name Busanjinjiseong was changed to Busanjinseong on 15 January 2020.
- The Japanese removed the wall-fortress during their occupation, and the surrounding sea was filled in.
More in Castles in South Korea 1-24
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