• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.126-143
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• 2013

Myeonghwalsanseong Fortress and Namsansinseong Fortress in Gyeongju are one of the few that have accurate records of when and who constructed the structures. Based on the monument commemorating the construction of Myeonghwalsanseong Fortress and the construction technique and structure of the fortresses confirmed through excavation survey, it can be induced that Myeonghwalsanseong Fortress was built prior to the 7th century. Meanwhile, Namsansinseong Fortress is believed to have been erected in 679, with the exception of one part of the wall found in the northwestern valley that was built during the first construction period of 591. Referring to the construction method of these fortresses in the royal capital, Gyeongju, various recentlystudied fortresses were reviewed to estimate the construction periods. As a result, Haman Seongsansanseong Fortress, which takes similar form with Myeonghwalsanseong Fortress, is believed to have been built during the mid-6th century based on the construction method and supplementary work method(i.e. Bochuk). Yangdongsanseong Fortress in Gimhae and Singisanseong Fortress, similar in their construction method, are also believed to be from the same period. Meanwhile, Jusanseong Fortress of Goryeong, despite the similar construction technique used, the construction technique used for Bochuk or limited Bochuk imply a time gap. Separately, most of the remaining walls of Namsansinseong Fortress appear to date back to the additional construction period, and Sageunsanseong Fortress in Hamyang and Dadaesanseong Fortress in Geoje that show similar construction method are set for the same period. Such conclusion was drawn from straight layer piling using the refined rectangular stones found in the fortress and the supplementary part remaining thereof. In addition, the study discovered a cross-section triangular water hole at Yangdongsanseong Fortress in Gimhae and Sageunsanseong Fortress in Hamyang and the trace of wooden fences constructed before the construction of stone-wall, reaping outcomes rarely found in this region.