Fortress site of Gyeongsang Jwasuyeong
Site of the main fortress of Joseon's east coast naval forces.
The Fortress site of Gyeongsang Jwasuyeong, in Busan’s Suyeong District, marks the former headquarters of the Joseon-era Gyeongsangjwado naval forces. At its peak, this command oversaw seven naval ports, 65 warships, and 40 support vessels tasked with protecting the east coast. The headquarters originally stood at Busanpo, later moved to Gaeunpo in Ulsan, and then shifted here just before the Imjin War. During King Injo’s reign, it relocated to Gammanipo, but returned to this site in 1652 under King Hyojong, remaining until the navy was disbanded in 1895 during a broader military reorganization. The original construction date of the fortress is unknown, but the surviving walls likely date to after the 1652 move. At that time, the fortress measured 2,784 meters in circumference and 4 meters high, with three wells, four gates, four drainage outlets, and several small bulwarks. Neglect during the Japanese colonial period (1910–45) destroyed most structures; only sections of the wall, the arched south gate, and drain outlets remain.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Suyeong District, Busan, South Korea
- Built
- Unidentified, rebuilt 1652
- Builder
- Government of Joseon
- Materials
- stone, wood, plaster walls
- In Use
- 1652-1895
- Condition
- Serves as historic site
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The command post of the Gyeongsangjwado naval forces was first located at Busanpo, then relocated to Gaeunpo at Ulsan, and immediately before the Imjin War, was moved to the site of the Fortress site of Gyeongsang Jwasuyeong. It was moved to Gammanipo during the reign of King Injo, and moved back here in 1652, the third year of the reign of King Hyojong. Thereafter, it remained at this site until the naval forces were disbanded as part of the broader reformation of the military system in 1895.
The time of the original construction of the wall-fortress here is not known, but the wall-fortress to which the existing remains belong seems to have been built after the relocation of the headquarters to this place in 1652. At that time, the wall-fortress was 2,784 meters in circumference and 4 meters in height. It had three wells, four gates, four drainage outlets, and several small bulwarks along the wall.
Most of the facilities have been ruined due to inadequate care during the Japanese colonial period (1910–45), and only parts of the wall, the arched south gate, and drain outlets remain.
Reader's Guide
The Fortress site of Gyeongsang Jwasuyeong is significant as the main fortress of the Gyeongsangjwado naval forces during the Joseon dynasty, responsible for the defense of the east coast with a substantial fleet of 65 battle ships and 40 auxiliary vessels. Its history of relocations reflects strategic adjustments before and after the Imjin War, and its final establishment in 1652 under King Hyojong marked a period of stability until the naval forces were disbanded in 1895. The fortress's legacy is preserved in its remaining structures—parts of the wall, the arched south gate, and drain outlets—which survived the Japanese colonial period despite widespread ruin. As a historical site in modern Busan, it offers insight into Joseon military organization and coastal defense, though the original construction date remains unknown. The site's current state underscores the impact of colonial-era neglect, yet it remains a tangible link to Korea's naval heritage.
Did You Know?
- The fortress site is located in Suyeong-dong, Suyeong District, Busan, South Korea.
- At one time, seven naval ports with 65 battle ships and 40 auxiliary vessels were under its command.
- The command post was moved to this location immediately before the Imjin War.
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