The fortress walls were originally constructed using large, flat river stones reinforced with soil, a unique architectural choice for the era.
A 600-year-old juniper tree located near the prison area is famous for having been used to hang and torture early Catholic converts.
The site functioned as the headquarters for the naval defense of the Chungcheong-do region during the Joseon Dynasty.
It is one of the few remaining flat-land fortresses in Korea, designed specifically for easier administrative control compared to mountain fortresses.
The Catholic Church designated the fortress as an international pilgrimage site in 2014 due to its history of martyrdom.
Haemi Eupseong Fortress is a remarkably intact 15th-century Joseon Dynasty walled city located in Seosan, South Korea. Unlike many Korean fortresses built on mountains, this is a flat-land castle constructed to defend coastal regions against Japanese pirate raids. The outer stone wall spans approximately 1.8 kilometers in circumference and encompasses 196,000 square meters. It served as a vital military, administrative, and religious hub for the Chungcheong province for over 500 years. The site is historically significant as a primary location for the persecution of Catholics during the late Joseon period, with thousands of believers martyred within its walls. Modern restoration efforts have reconstructed key internal buildings, including the government office (Dongheon) and the prisoner facility. The inner grounds now host traditional workshops, exhibitions, and a massive lawn used for seasonal cultural festivals. It is designated as Historic Site No. 116 by the South Korean government.
The view of the Jin-nam Gate (main gate) from the exterior bridge approach.
Walk the entire perimeter along the top of the ramparts for a complete view of the town and the fortress interior.
Visit the Catholic memorial sites located within the gates to understand the specific historical context of the site's martyrdom.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the internal grounds are extensive and the path along the wall is uneven.
Avoid rushing through the inner courtyard; the site is large and many small traditional workshops are hidden throughout the grounds.
Maintain a respectful tone near the Catholic memorial sites and burial areas.
