충주 계족산 城址의 현황과 성격

Abstract

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the recently revealed status of the Chungju Gyejoksan fortress site. This site is presumed to be an ancient Chungjuseong Fortress, where Chungju military officer, Kim, Yun-Hoo won in battle during the 1253 Goryeo Dynasty war against the Mongolian invasion. Gyejoksan fortress site encircles a valley formed between two peaks of Gyemyeongsan mountain (774.3 meters above sea level). The first peak (703 meters), is positioned to the south of the summit, while the second peak (709 meters), lies to the east of the first peak. The fortress wall is predominantly characterized by outer walls constructed using the Naetak technique, supplemented by sections of double walls. Noteworthy is the variance of the height of the walls, with the highest point being 709 meters and the lowest point 450 meters, exhibiting an elevation difference of approximately 259 meters. The fortress perimeter spans about 3km, demonstrating an adept utilization of environmental features such as cliffs and steep terrain in its construction. The walls, ranging in height from 2 to 4 meters, are constructed using irregular-shaped stones assembled with a rubble work technique and finished with wedge stones. Artifacts recovered from within the fortress site date primarily to the mid to late Goryeo Dynasty Period, including a significant quantity of rooftop tiles adorned with diverse patterns such as plain, fishbone, lattice, and compound designs. Gyejoksan fortress site shares similarities with several other fortresses, including Chenryongsanseong Fortress in Chungju, Samaksanseong Fortress in Chuncheon, Hangyesanseong Fortress in Inje, Gwongeumseong Fortress in Sokcho, Suinsanseong Fortress in Jangheung, Cheongnyangsanseong Fortress in Bonghwa, and Ipamsanseong Fortress in Jangseong. Given its strategic position as a backdrop mountain fortress to the Chungju town center, the Gyejoksan Fortress site is believed to possess significant historical and archaeological value. It is thought to have played a pivotal role in the Goryeo Dynasty's resistance against Mongol incursions, forming an interconnected defensive network with nearby mountain fortresses such as Namsanseong and Daerimsanseong.