Gyeongju Seokbinggo (Stone Ice Storage)

About this place

A seokbinggo is a storehouse for keeping ice, and this one is situated lengthwise from north to south atop the northern rampart tower within Banwolseong Fortress in Gyeongju. Passing through the entrance provided on the south side, one descends below by way of steps. The farther one goes inside, the more the floor is sloped so that water can flow and drain away. The roof is semicircular, and ventilation shafts were provided in three places to allow air to circulate with the outside. According to the stone monument and the lintel stone at the entrance, it records in detail that in 1738 (the 14th year of King Yeongjo) Jo Myeong-gyeom rebuilt the wooden ice store in stone, and that four years later it was moved from the west to its present location, so it is presumed to date from this time. It is also regarded as an outstanding masterpiece in terms of scale and technique.