Gyeongjueupseong

Lore & Background

Construction began on the town in 1012 (Korean calendar) during the Goryeo period, though it is not known precisely when it was completed. It began with earthen fortifications, which were later converted to stone, and was rebuilt in 1378. During the reign of Sejong the Great (r. 1418–1450) in the Joseon period, the town was possibly renovated amidst nationwide renovation projects. It was damaged during the 1592–1598 Imjin War and renovated soon afterwards, with continued occupation, renovation, and repair until the end of the Joseon period; one such repair effort occurred in 1870.

The town's use ended during the 1910–1945 Japanese colonial period. Under orders of the Japanese colonial government, it was largely demolished, and by 1933 it was mostly in ruins. Its former site was made a Historic Site of South Korea in 1963. Excavations began in 1985 and continued through the 1990s and 2000s. A plan to restore the settlement was created in 2009, with annual excavation and restoration efforts conducted thereafter. The Gyeongju government purchased real estate for the project and has supported the restoration.

Reader's Guide

Gyeongjueupseong is significant as a rare surviving example of a Goryeo-era eupseong, or walled town, that was continuously inhabited through the Joseon period. Its history reflects the broader patterns of Korean urban fortification, including the transition from earthen to stone walls, periodic renovations under royal decrees, and damage during the Imjin War. The town's demolition under Japanese colonial rule and its subsequent restoration beginning in the 2010s highlight the complex legacy of colonial-era destruction and modern heritage preservation. The restoration efforts, supported by the Gyeongju government, have transformed the site into a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to experience a reconstructed pre-colonial walled town. The bell of King Seongdeok, now housed in the Gyeongju National Museum, originally hung at the town's gate Jingnyemun, linking the site to broader Korean cultural heritage. The ongoing excavations and annual restoration work underscore the site's importance as a focus of archaeological and historical research.

Did You Know?

• Construction began in 1012 (Korean calendar) during the Goryeo period, but the completion date is unknown.
• The town was largely demolished by the Japanese colonial government by 1933.
• The bell of King Seongdeok, now in the Gyeongju National Museum, was originally from the town's gate Jingnyemun.