'Baekje Strategic Stronghold' Jangsu Chimryeongsanseong Designated as Historic Site

"Confirmation of Political System Changes Through Excavated Artifacts"

'Jangsu Chimryeongsanseong,' a strategic stronghold of Baekje, will be managed as a nationally designated cultural heritage site. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 2nd that, recognizing its historical and academic value, systematic preservation and management plans will be established.

It is a fortress with a circumference of 497 meters, built in the early 7th century in the border area between Silla and Baekje. It is recorded as 'Chimchi,' 'Chimchigoseong,' and 'Chimryeong' in sources such as "Mangi Yoram," "Daedongjiji," "Haedong Jido," and "Daedongyeojido." 'Chimryeong' is the name of the pass where Chimryeongsanseong is located.

Excavations conducted until 2020 uncovered water collection facilities, building sites, fortifications (雉), and gate sites (門址). Notably, the three water collection facilities are large enough to gauge ancient technology and exhibit sophisticated construction techniques. The overall shape is irregular, with a short east wall and a long west wall. Currently, only sections of the south and north walls, approximately 5 to 10 meters high, and part of the east wall remain.

A large number of artifacts were also excavated from the water collection facilities and building sites. Especially from the latter, items such as 'Jikgudan Gyeongho (Baekje),' 'Soho (Silla),' and 'Celadon ware fragments (Goryeo)' were found, which help understand the changes in the governance system of the eastern Jeonbuk region. The Cultural Heritage Administration evaluated, "This is a historical site where power struggles among ancient Korean states occurred from the Three Kingdoms period to the early Goryeo period," adding, "The excavated artifacts confirm changes in political governance."