Description

This sightseeing course goes from Suncheon Japanese Fortress, the westernmost of the Japanese fortresses, to Jinju Fortress, where fierce battles were fought during the Bunroku-Keicho War.

In the coastal belt stretching from Suncheon, South Jeolla Province to Ulsan, South Gyeongsang Province, there are many remains of Japanese castles from the 16th century that were built during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea (the Bunroku-Keicho Invasion), conveying the history of the past to the present day.

Of the remaining Japanese-style castles along the southern coast, Suncheon Wasei in Suncheon City, South Jeolla Province, is located in the westernmost part of the area. This is the Japanese castle where the final and largest battle was fought twice during the Keicho Invasion (Toyotomi Hideyoshi's second invasion of Korea) between 14,000 soldiers led by Konishi Yukinaga and the allied forces of Ming and Korea.

We will visit Sacheon Japanese Fortress, located almost halfway between Busan and Suncheon, famous for the Battle of Sacheon, and the nearby Sacheon Jomyung Military Tomb, and also visit Jinju Fortress and the National Jinju Museum, which is also famous as the site of the fiercest battle during the Imjin Japanese Invasion (1552-1592).

Tourist itinerary

Depart from hotel in Busan (8:XNUMX AM) → Suncheon Japanese Fortress → Meal → Sacheon Japanese Fortress → Jinju Fortress, Jinju National Museum → To Busan

Acitivity Time　Approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes

STEP

Suncheon Castle

Suncheon Wajo Castle is the site of a battle between the allied forces of Korea and Ming, and is known as the site of the largest battle during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea. The castle was built by Ukita Hideie and Todo Takatora, and became the base of the Japanese army led by Konishi Yukinaga.

After the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Japanese forces of Konishi Yukinaga fought a fierce battle to secure a retreat route, including the death of Joseon General Yi Sun-sin in the Battle of Noryang. Currently, the outer and inner walls of the Japanese castle have been restored, and the castle tower overlooks the reclaimed industrial complex.

The name Wabashi comes from the fact that a bridge was built to draw in seawater when the Japanese castle was constructed. Suncheon Wasei is the site that tells the story of the end of the Bunroku-Keicho War and is the only Japanese castle in Jeolla Province.

STEP

Sacheon Shenjinri Castle

Located about 15km south of Jinju City, Sacheon Seonjin-ri Japanese Castle is the site where the Shimazu army led by Shimazu Yoshihiro and Shimazu Tadahiro won the Sichuan Battle against the allied Korean forces in 1598. It is now open to the public as Seonjin Park.

Within the castle, there are mostly restored stone walls and gates, and more than 1,000 cherry trees have been planted, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The Sichuan Dynasty Army Tomb, designated as the 80th provincial monument, is also located nearby.

STEP

Jinjuseong Fortress

Jinju city has many old buildings from the Joseon Dynasty and has a quiet Kyoto-like atmosphere, but it is also home to Jinju Fortress, where the fiercest fighting took place during the Bunroku-Keicho Invasion of Korea. Built along the Nam River, Jinju Fortress is now a place of relaxation for citizens and can be explored at night or dawn.

At the entrance to the castle is the beautiful Chokseongnu Pavilion, which served as a command headquarters during wartime and is also the place where the court lady Nong-gye threw herself into the river while holding a Japanese general in her arms.

The Jinju Castle also houses the National Jinju Museum, which displays materials related to the Bunroku-Keicho Invasion.

The National Jinju Museum is closed every Monday, so we visited the nearby Jinju Jungang Market instead.