Fortresses of Baekje

This model is a reproduction of the construction site of a fortress during the Baekje Period. Baekje possessed excellent architectural techniques in those days. The Pungnap Fortress and the Mongchon Fortress in Seoul, which are still in great condition, are testament to their skills. What do you think the secret was to building these fortress walls that lasted for a thousand years?

Please come inside and have a look at the construction process.

People trampled and beat the earth with wooden poles to compact the soil. To prevent the soil from spreading and support the wall during construction, they used a frame made out of timber poles and planks. The process was repeated many times to maximize the density and strength of each layer of soil.

However, that technique may not be the only reason that the fortress walls endured for 1,000 years. Leaves were another key to building a strong fortress. Thin layers of leaves were placed in between the layers of earth and they served to heighten the viscosity and cohesiveness of the clay and soil. The leaves also had an osmotic effect and drew any moisture in the wall to the outside. This process increased the stability of the fortress walls.

The techniques were well ahead of their time and the endeavors of the Baekje people resulted in 1,000–year-old solid fortress walls.