Gwangsanbongsu in Yeongdeok-gun Designated and Announced as Gyeongbuk-do Monument

Following Daesosan Bongudae, Both of the Only Two Bongu Sites in the Province Are Located in Yeongdeok

'Yeongdeok Gwangsanbongsu' located in Yeonghae-myeon, Yeongdeok-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, was designated and announced as a North Gyeongsang Provincial Monument on the 11th.

Aerial photo of Yeongdeok Gwangsanbongsu (盈德 廣山烽燧).

With this, Yeongdeok-gun now possesses both beacon mounds designated as North Gyeongsang Provincial Monuments, following the 'Yeongdeok Daesosan Beacon Mound,' which was the only one designated by North Gyeongsang Province in 1982.

Yeongdeok Gwangsanbongsu is a beacon mound located at the turning point between border beacons and inland beacons, about 18 km away from the coast in the direction of Daesosan. Although its location classifies it as an inland beacon, it is situated at an altitude of over 700 meters, allowing a view of the coastline. Within its defensive walls, a watchtower typical of those found at border or coastal beacon sites has been constructed.

This unique combination of characteristics from both inland and border beacons is considered rare in Korea.

In particular, among the approximately 90 beacon mounds from the Joseon Dynasty that pass through the North Gyeongsang region, it is a representative example that has preserved its original form well. Even today, the watchtower is used by local residents as an altar for Sansinje, a traditional mountain spirit ritual, and thus holds significant folkloric value.

Kim Kwangyeol, the county governor, said, "The designation of this representative regional defense heritage as a North Gyeongsang Provincial Monument has recognized its value," adding, "We will ensure thorough preservation and management of the region's cultural heritage and continue to discover hidden cultural assets to further promote the traditional culture of Yeongdeok-gun."

Yeongdeok-gun has been consistently pursuing the designation and registration of cultural heritage with high preservation value as national heritage. In 2021, 'Yeongdeok Goesi Village' was designated as a National Folk Cultural Heritage, and the 'Mural of the Main Hall of Jangyuksa Temple' as a North Gyeongsang Provincial Tangible Cultural Heritage. In 2022, 'Yeongdeok Okgae Chimsujeong Area' was designated as a Scenic Site, and 'Yeongdeok Muan Park Clan Heeamjaesa' as a National Folk Cultural Heritage, achieving the designation of two or more national or provincial cultural heritages each year.

Last year, 'Yeongdeok Toyeom' was designated as a North Gyeongsang Provincial Intangible Heritage, and 'Yeongdeok Dongae Old House' as a North Gyeongsang Provincial Folk Cultural Heritage. Last month, the Yeongsanhoesangdo and Jijangsiwangdo paintings of Jangyuksa Temple were designated as treasures.

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