chousenshiki yamajiro　朝鮮式山城

KEY WORD :　architecture / castles

Lit. Korean type mountain castle. A general term for castle structures in Japan that resemble those in ancient Korea. Representative examples include: the so-called sacred stones *kougo-ishi 神篭石, in northern Kyuushuu 九州 and western Honshuu 本州 and Shikoku 四国 ; the mountain castle at Kourasan 高良山 Fukuoka prefecture; the ruined mountain castle Kiyamajou 城山城 in Kagawa prefecture; Oonojou 大野城 in Fukuoka prefecture which was constructed for the defense of Dazaifu 大宰府 (665); Kiijou 基肄城 in Saga prefecture; and Idojou 怡土城 in Fukuoka prefecture, completed in 768. Oonojou and Kiijou both are to have been constructed with the advice of Korean (Paekche, Jp: Kudara 百済) experts because both are similar to sites found in various parts of the Korean peninsula. All these fortifications are characterized by earthen embankments which served as walls and stone work employed at strategic points, such as entrances. In the case of Oonojou, the embankment extended for a length exceeding nine kilometers. It measured 8m wide at its base and 2m high. In ancient Korea, castles functioned as secure shelter for troops and civilians to escape to in time of emergency. In Japan, Korean type castles seem to have continued this tradition because the remains of storehouses have been located within their walls.

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