Travel Diary: Namhansanseong Fortress

Our second day in South Korea with AirAsia and Korea Tourism Office started with a visit to another fortress called Namhansanseong, which literally means “South Han Mountain Fortress”. It’s located in the province of Gyeonggi-do but in a different city called Gwangju-si. This soon-to-be UNESCO World Heritage site is believed to have been built during King Onjo’s reign in 672. The fortress was called Jujangseong then and only occupied the western edge of Namhansan (South Han Mountain). It was only until 1624 when King Injo of Joseon Dynasty ordered for the reconstruction of the fortress that it became most of what we see today.

Namhansanseong is an ideal fortress. It’s geological location raises the chances of a smaller defense unit to go against a larger number of soldiers because it sits atop a mountain that’s 500-meter above sea level and has a more than 8 kilometer-long rugged terrain. The fortress walls are 12.356 kilometers in circumference, comprised of the main fortress, 2 defensive walls and five outworks. The fortified walls have 1,940 merlons, 4 major gates, 16 hidden gates that are secret passageways, 5 command posts and 125 guard towers that are guard posts on the inner parts of the towers. There are also over 80 wells and 45 ponds inside the compound and an emergency temporary palace was built for the king. King Injo actually stayed here during the Second Manchu Invasion of Korea in 1636 and fought against a force of 130,000 soldiers for 47 days. The fortress would’ve been able to accommodate tens of thousands of troops but the king and his men ran out of food so they had to surrender. This fortress definitely went through a lot, if only its walls could speak. Who would’ve thought all these vibrant colors characteristic of Joseon Dynasty architecture witnessed such a tragic ending?

Cotton On fedora hat | SM Accessories necklace | Front Row Shop blazer | Topshop cropped shirt | Romwe shorts | Givenchy bag | Charlotte Olympia flats

41 Responses to “Travel Diary: Namhansanseong Fortress”
  1. Jamie

    Hi! I love the photos you took. They’re just so vivid and colorful! May I ask what camera you used to capture these beautiful photos? :)

    Reply
  2. Clariss

    The fedora and kitty flats ❤️❤️❤️ It looks like you were in a magazine photoshoot ate cams haha

    Reply
  3. maebs

    awesome photos ate cams. I learned a lot in this entry unlike in my Asian civilization subject. I’ve just been there for the attendance kasi hindi naman nagtuturo ng professor ko. haha! :) I love your flats ate cams. so pretty!

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Haha! I’m sure you’ll learn a lot in your Asian Civilization subject! :) Concentrate! :)

      Reply
  4. Katrin Tuano

    This reminds me of those koreanovelas haha it’s so cool how they preserved this place. It’s so beautiful and the background complimented your OOTD :)

    Reply
  6. Kaye Alid

    Hi ate cams!!!! :) I missed yoour blog! I have to catch up in your blogposts! I love your kitty flats! I tried to read it, but I can’t understand someee words haha

    Reply
  7. Judylyn

    I LOVE YOUR KITTY FLATS. <3 #Capslockparaintense Hahahah. But when I saw the price of your flats, oh ow. hehehe.

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Haha! :) Thanks Judylyn! I lusted over these for a long time before taking the plunge :)

      Reply
  8. Janine

    Wow!!! Ate Camille! Super ganda! :) Read all your blog about Korea! Kakabitin! Pero super thankful for the information you shared to all of us! :) When I grow up I want to visit Korea to… even though I’m already old to grow… THANK YOU ATE! :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thank you Janine! It’s my pleasure to share this experience with you guys :)

      Reply
  10. EldenThunder

    This post reminds me of the settings na ginagamit sa mga Koreanovelas na nag-shoot about Korean histories(like Rooftop Prince,You Who Came from the Stars,and etc.) Mare-remember mo yung mga outfits na Hanbok,Wonsam & Gwanbok noong Joseon Dynasty and Goryeo Period(haha akala nakapunta ng Korea) Thanks to those movie marathons with my roomies! Parang dinala narin ako ng Korea kahit papano. hehe XOXO

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      In fairness to your knowledge of Korea! :) Let me know if you have any K-drama recommendations! :)

      Reply
  11. Ericka Garcia

    Omg. Those colorful and beautiful roof details of those old Korean buildings are my Vitamin A!!! Super ganda!

    Love,
    Ericka Garcia

    Reply
  18. Anne

    I love the text on your blazer cuffs Cams. Just let it go… let it go… can’t hold it back anymoooore! LOL just kidding. This place looks really familiar. Oh well I’ve seen too many K dramas so one of them is bound to have a scene filmed here. I guess. Have you seen any Korean drama Cams? If so, what’s your favorite?

    https://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      LOL! You noticed my cuffs! :) Thanks Anne! I have watched a few, I’ve only seen 5 though!

      Reply
  19. Kay

    Nakakabitin!!! More photos please :)) Sana 2 post per day nyo sa Korea!!! waahhh! Korea has so many things to offer! Sa historical sites pa lang kulang ata ang 4 days?!

    PS Super like the “Just Let It Go” print in the cuff area ;)

    Reply
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