Pungnaptoseong and Mongchontoseong

When you enter the Exhibition Hall 2 of the museum, you embark on a journey through the history of Baekje, spanning its founding in the Seoul area and its growth over a period of 493 years. Miniature models in this section are divided into two parts: Mongchontoseong Fortress on the left and Pungnaptoseong Fortress on the right, depicting the landscape of Baekje, with the river serving as a boundary. Baekje always set its capital along the river and built the fortress. This not only served as a natural defense system against enemies but also facilitated maritime trade across the Yellow Sea. Additionally, its abundant flow rate supported farming activities.

Let’s talk about these two fortresses that influenced the foundation and development of Baekje. In 18BC, Baekje was established in the Wiryeseong, located to the south of the Hangang River. It was one of the small states in south central region at that time. By the mid-3rd century, Baekje had developed into a massive kingdom. Pungnaptoseong Fortress is believed to have been built during this period, while Mongchontoseong Fortress came later.

Baekje reached its prime in the mid-4th century when the king of Baekje established the capital in Hanseong, which is today’s Seoul. Both Pungnaptoseong Fortress and Mongchontoseong Fortress were situated in this capital. When you look at the model, you can see a palace inside each fortress. The king originally resided in the palace of Pungnaptoseong Fortress. However, after a victorious campaign against the neighboring kingdom of Goguryeo, he constructed a new palace inside Mongchontoseong Fortress to show off his powerful royal authority.

Therefore, Hanseong featured two sections with Pungnaptoseong Fortress and Mongchontoseong Fortress, built on flat land and served as a mountain fortress, respectively. The palace in Pungnaptoseong Fortress was the main palace, while the one in Mongchontoseong Fortress served as a separate palace.

After all, Wiryeseong and Hanseong are capitals situated in the same area, representing the complete regions of Pungnaptoseong Fortress and Mongchontoseong Fortress. It becomes clear that these two fortresses played a pivotal role in the developmental process during the Seoul Era of Baekje.