Imjonseong Fortress (예산 임존성)

Imjonseong Fortress (also known as Daeheungsanseong Fortress) is located at the top of Bongsusan Mountain between Yesan-gun and Hongseong-gun in Chungcheongnam-do. This stone fortress was designed as a place to launch attacks against enemies. One of the ways in which those in the fortress fended off intruders was to unleash the water from the giant fortress well and let it gush down the mountain towards the oncoming forces.

The fortress wall is about 2.5 meters high and 3.5 meters wide and has a 7 to 8-meter ditch that runs alongside the southern wall. Compared with other Korean fortresses, Imjonseong Fortress is higher and about 2 meters thicker. It is the largest fortress of the Baekje Kingdom and has become the subject of much research.

History shows that the fortress was the central hub of the Restoration Movement of the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC - AD 660). In the 20th year of the reign of King Uija (Baekje dynasty), the kingdom was defeated by the united forces of the Silla Kingdom and the Tang dynasty (currently, China). Boksin (a cousin of King Uisa), a monk, and Heukchisangji stayed at the fortress for three years while trying to return the king to power.

As one walks along the winding trail, the view of Daeryeonsa Temple comes in to view and as once at the top, the spectacular views of Oseosan, Baekwolsan, and Gayasan mountains unfold. Those who come to the fortress from Masa-ri, Gwangsi-myeon, can drive and park their car in the parking lot located right below the fortress.