광진ECC

Acha Mountain Fortress(아차산성)

문화유산 영어설명대회

Kenny(광남중1)

History is more than chronological records.

Many of us, I assume, might think of history as a “chronological record .” However history is always part of our lives in the present. I regularly hike Acha Mountain, which is located behind my apartment building. This mountain has a Fortress which is called 'Acha Mountain Fortress'.

History Background :

At the end of the 5th century, there were Three Kingdoms on the Korean Peninsular: Goguryeo, Baekje and Shilla. These ancient Kingdoms dominated the Korean peninsula. They spanned a period of about 725 years lasting from 57 BC until Shilla's triumph over Goguryeo in 668AD, which marked the beginning of the Unified Shilla in the South. Originally built by Baekje, it was occupied in turn by each of the Three Kingdoms. This fortress spans about one kilometer and has an area of 133,700 square meters. The Fortress faces the Han River.

The Han River :

In order to know more about Korean History, we should realize it initiated from the Han River which has been flowing side by side with 5,000 years of Korean history. The kingdom of Baekje was the first to lay claim to the Han River, recognizing its strategic significance. The Han River and its surrounding area has played an important role in Korean history. The Three Kingdoms of Korea strove to take control of this land. Therefore, there were frequent wars among the Three Kingdoms and followed by a variety of stories that followed, which are sad, brave, and sometimes romantic. Ach Mt. Fortrees is an example of the frequent wars over the region. The Fortress stands on Mount Acha near the Han River, in Gwangjin-gu Seoul South Korea.

Efforts to Save their Countries:

King Chaekgye of Baekje ordered the Fortress to be fortified against an expected Goguryeo invasion. At that time, Acha Mountain Fortress played a key role in the defense of the Baekje capital Hanseong from the North. In 475AD, Goguryeo overran this and the other defenses of Baekje, and King Gaero of Baekje died in this war. The fortress and the rest of the Han River valley were conquered by Shilla in 553AD. The Goguryeo general Ondal later died there while trying to reclaim the fortress.

Legend Story :

Acha contains a charming legend about a poor man called 'Foolish Ondal' who married with a princess named 'Pyunggang' and was groomed for a life of higher social standing. Ondal distinguished himself in the wars, and killed dozens of enemies. Others followed him, and they won a victory. Returning in triumph, Ondal was considered the best soldier, and King 'Pyungwon' finally recognized him as his legitimate son-in-law. Ondal rose from common origins to become a remarkable and brave Goguryeo general. He died during an attempt to over-take the Shilla Army in 590 AD in a battle at Mt. Acha..

History Alive in the Present : Great Attraction

Whenever I walk around this area, I think about the lives of our people who lived during those times: the sadness, the bravery, the dynamic world they lived in; the patriots who helped make Korea today. I feel lucky to have a historical place which doesn't look really magnificent but shows their extreme efforts to save our country. They never gave up.

Nowadays parts of the mountains have been made into a park area with sports facilities There is a small amusement park equipped with rides for children. A hiking trail, and benches are also provided. We are learning from the past, there is no doubt that we expand our historical experience through the lives of people in different times and places. We constantly tell stories about the past to our students, friends, children—;and to ourselves—;stories that are supposed to convey moral and practical lessons about how to behave in the present.

Come and visit the Fortress! You will feel their romantic love and patriotism which is very brave.