Nammijilbu Fortress

About this place

Nammijilbu Fortress is a Silla-period earthen rampart in the Namseong-ri, Jungseong-ri and Mangcheon-ri areas of Heunghae-eup, Pohang. Built on a low hill jutting out from the plains south of Heunghae-eup, its earthen wall measures roughly 2 km in circumference. Inside the fortress lies the village of Mot-san; to the village's west, about nine ancient tombs believed to belong to local chiefs remain, along with a pond and a well. The Samguk Sagi records that in 504 AD twelve fortresses — including Pari, Misil, and Jindeok — were built using conscript labour; Misilseong is believed to correspond to today's Nammijilbu Fortress. The Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam further records that in the 13th year of Goryeo Taejo, the lords of Bukmijilbu and Nammijilbu surrendered together, indicating that this fortress was the administrative centre of the Heunghae region in early Goryeo. Unlike most fortresses renamed after later administrative divisions or nearby mountains, Nammijilbu Fortress is notable in that its founding name and date are attested with certainty, making it the oldest confirmed fortress in the Pohang area.