Construction Methods of Daemo Fortress Walls in Yangju Revealed

Construction Methods and Water Facilities Uncovered at Daemo Fortress
Sections of East and West Walls Identified;
Reservoir and Well Discovered Near West Gate

Overview of Dongsung Wall Section

The excavation of Daemo Fortress in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province (Historic Site No. 526) has revealed the construction methods of the fortress walls and the existence of a reservoir (a water storage facility). According to the Cultural Heritage Administration on November 18, the Gihomunhwajae Research Institute recently identified two sections of the fortress wall near the east and west gates, as well as the reservoir facility.

The main body of the fortress wall was constructed by filling stones between the inner and outer walls. The outer wall was built in a 'pum' (品) shape using rectangular and square stones, while the inner wall was stacked irregularly with uneven stones. The east wall stands approximately 9.7 meters high, while the west wall is about 7.6 meters tall.

The outer wall also featured a supplementary wall to reinforce the main structure. About 50 layers remain on the east wall section, and around 40 layers on the west wall section. An official explained, "Rectangular stones were made wide and flat, then stacked evenly. The east wall section was constructed by stacking flat stones at a slant so they interlocked, while the west wall section was built in a stepped fashion, gradually set back from the base."

Overview of Dongsung Wall Section

The completed stone fortress encircles the summit of Daemo Mountain, which rises 212 meters above sea level. The perimeter measures 726 meters, and the interior area covers 57,742 square meters. An official stated, "It is believed to have served as a key military stronghold for securing access points to the Hangang and Imjingang river basins. Along with the Daejeonri Fortress in Yeoncheon, it is presumed to have been a major battleground during the Silla-Tang War."

The reservoir was discovered in a flat area near the west gate, the lowest point inside the fortress (at an elevation of 180 meters). The location was selected where groundwater and rainwater would naturally collect. An official explained, "It appears to have been used not only to secure water supply, but also to prevent water and earth pressure from being transmitted to the fortress walls during floods." To the northeast of the reservoir, a well with a diameter of 1.3 meters and a depth of 1.5 meters was also found, where groundwater still rises today. The official added, "This is believed to be a facility related to the reservoir."

Interior Wood of Reservoir

The recent excavation also uncovered a large number of earthenware items, including footed dishes, small bowls (wan), pottery lids, and jar-shaped (hyeong) pottery. Numerous roof tiles were found, such as patterned flat tiles with stripe and lattice designs, as well as inscribed tiles bearing the names Deokbusa and Bubu. Iron artifacts were also identified, including arrowheads, iron spear socket fittings, and wheel axle caps (cast parts used to prevent wagon wheels from coming off the axle).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.