Osan City Opens Doksan Fortress Academic Excavation Site

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Osan City held a site briefing session on the 4th to present excavation findings and unearthed artifacts from Historic Site No. 140, Doksan Fortress and Semadaejji (hereinafter Doksan Fortress), currently under investigation by the Junbu Archaeology Research Institute and Hanshin University Museum, following authorization from the Cultural Heritage Administration.

The survey was conducted prior to fortress wall repairs and renovation to confirm the structure and construction methods of hidden fortress walls beneath the restored wall, securing foundational data. The investigation achieved the result of first confirming fortress walls from the Three Kingdoms through Joseon Dynasty periods that had been buried beneath the restored wall.

Approximately 70 citizens and researchers who visited the site listened to explanations from the excavation team using photographs and illustrations and observed the unearthed artifacts.

Prior to the public opening event, Cultural Heritage Administration Commissioner Jung Jae-sook visited the Doksan Fortress excavation site to confirm the survey results, stating, "The excavation findings from Doksan Fortress appear to be valuable materials for fortress research. We will actively support the restoration project of Doksan Fortress in Osan."

Osan Mayor Kwak Sang-wook said, "The excavation survey and academic research of Doksan Fortress are valuable materials in fortress studies that expand the paradigm of the role and function of the fortress, which was previously understood only narrowly," adding, "We will make efforts in the future to ensure the historical value of Doksan Fortress is properly evaluated through organic consultation with the Cultural Heritage Administration."

The city plans to continue creating opportunities for residents to take interest in local cultural heritage and enjoy history and culture through public opening events.