March 14, 2023
Location of Dundeok Giseong Fortress
On a bright winter day, we had the opportunity to visit Dundeok Giseong Fortress (둔덕기성 in Korean), also known as the “King’s Escape Castle (폐왕성 or 피왕성 in Korean),” located just a 20-minute drive from our home. As we drove up the narrow and sharp driveway to the fortress and walked on the hilly lumpy road, we could feel a sense of anticipation and excitement building within us. Finally, we arrived at the top of the 326m Mountain Ubong, where the fortress is situated, providing us with a wonderful view of the nearby ocean and the center of Dundeok Township.
Historical Value
While the fortress is an important national historical site, much of the original 500-meter circumference structure standing at a height of 4.8 meters has been lost, leaving only a few remaining stone walls. Despite this, we could can still sense the historical significance of the site and imagine what it must have been like for King Uijong during his final three years in power and his eventual abdication due to a military coup.
Feeling of Loneliness
As we walked around the fortress, we felt a deep sense of sadness and loneliness, imagining what it must have been like for King Uijong to be isolated in such a remote location with only a few servants. It was an emotional reminder of the human cost of political turmoil and unrest.
King Uijong’s reign was marked by his attempts to strengthen and reform imperial power, but his later years were plagued by entertainment and civil unrest, leading to his eventual dethronement and exile to Giseong Fortress in Dundeok, Geoje Island. His lonely life in the fortress came to a tragic end when he was assassinated by military officials in 1173, leaving behind a sad legacy.
The World Pond: Frozen in Time
The Chenji Pond, also known as the “World Pond,” is a significant feature of Dundeok Giseong Fortress, situated at the very center of the site. It must have served as a vital source of water for the fortress. To me, it looks like a symbol of his lonely and isolated life in exile.
As we stood by the pond, it was easy to imagine King Uijong gazing out across the still waters, lost in thought and contemplating his fate. The pond’s beauty and peaceful stillness seemed almost at odds with the tragic history of the site.
Despite its long history, the Chenji Pond is remarkably well-preserved, with the original stonework still intact. It’s clear that the pond was an essential part of life at the fortress in a remote and isolated location.
If you’re looking for a quiet and reflective experience, Dundeok Giseong Fortress offers a unique opportunity to connect with a sad moment in Korean history.
