문화가 숨쉬는 울산중구 - Ulsan Jung-gu Tour

In 1597 (30th year of King Seonjo’s reign during the Joseon period) when the Japanese invaded Joseon, Asano Yoshina built this fortress on a small hill in the lower reaches of the Taehwagnag River and Kato Kiyomasa was stationed here. It was recorded that the Japanese fortress was built by taking the stones from Ulsaneupseong Fortress and Byeongyeongseong Fortress. The foundation was established by breaking up big rocks and small stones were inserted between large stones. The edges of the big stones were fitted together by engaging the long side of the big stone with the short side of the big stone and building walls using in this way. The wall was tilted about 60~70°. The allied forces of the Joseon and Ming besieged the Japanese fortress twice, Dec. 1597 and Sep. 1598, and attacked daily but failed to take the fortress. It is said that the Japanese army was in such terrible condition that they had to boil and eat paper or soil from the wall or drank blood or the urine of horses as they faced death due to the lack of food and ammunition at the time. Toyotomi Hideyoshi died in Aug. 1598 and the order to retreat was made in November in the same year. The Japanese invasion that started in 1592 was ended as the Japanese army burnt its fortress and returned to Japan.

Kim Hongjo, the former president of the Gyeongnam Daily Newspaper, planted black pine, cherry trees and apricot trees on his private land of about 23,000 m2, in 1923, and made the area like a park. He donated this park to Ulsan-myeon and it is now Hakseong Park. Camellia Japonica begin to bloom and cherry flowers are in full bloom in spring. The maple trees dye the park red in autumn. Strolling in the park offers a variety of feelings depending on the season. Ulsan Japanese Fortress, the Spring Letter Song Monument and the Memorial Stone Monument help visitors to think about history.