Detail

　Located in Sanseong-ri, Namhansanseong-myeon, Gwangjusi,Gyeonggi-do, Namhansanseong was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in June 2014 in recognition of its great cultural value. Along with Bukhansanseong Fortress, Namhansanseong was built during the Joseon period to protect the then-capital Hanyang in the event of an invasion. Namhansanseong was completed in the fourth year (1626) of the reign of King Injo of Joseon after two years of construction work on the old site of Jujangseong Fortress, which had been built by King Munmu (672) of the Unified Silla period. Its stone wall runs 11.76 kilometers and varies in height from three to seven meters, and it has a total area of approximately 160,000 pyeong (529,000 square meters). The wall was built along the ridge line to maximize the defensive advantage of Namhan Mountain. The inside is a wide basin of mild slopes and was large enough to accommodate nearby residents. It was indeed a strategic fortress blessed with natural barriers for defense. The palace inside Namhansanseong was designed as a secondary seat of government in the event of a war, rebellion, or other national calamity. The only temporary palace in the country with facilities for proper storage of memorial tablets of royal ancestors, it served as a provisional capital during the Manchu Invasion (Byeongja Horan) of 1636 by the Qing Dynasty. King Injo of Joseon stayed at Namhansanseong for 47 days to resist the invasion and protect the royal shrine and government. The citadel has four gates at the cardinal directions. The East Gate, which actually faces southeast, and the South Gate were the most used. Namhansanseong met various criteria to be named a property of UNESCO World Heritage. It embodies advancements of military structures, including fortress and defense systems, and changes in the art of fortification from the 7th and 19th centuries. As a military center and temporary seat of government, it is a manifestation of both architectural and intangible values. Also recognized was the fact that the restorations of the property were done by traditional techniques based on historical records and evidence. Korea Post is issuing commemorative stamps to showcase Namhansanseong to the world for its historical and cultural value.