Twinkling Little Stars Reflected on the Water | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Sachungdan is a memorial altar built in 1871 by order of King Gojong to honor the merits of Kim Deuk-gi, Song Bin, Yoo Sik, and Lee Dae-hyeong, who raised militia forces and died defending Gimhae during the Imjin War, which began in April 1592 (the 25th year of King Seonjo's reign). Originally located at 873 Dongsang-dong, it was relocated and expanded to the area around 161 Dongsang-dong due to urban planning in Gimhae. A memorial ceremony is held annually on the 20th day of the fourth lunar month. After the war ended, in 1600 (the 33rd year of King Seonjo's reign), they were posthumously conferred the rank of Gaseondae-bu; Kim Deuk-gi and Lee Dae-hyeong were appointed as Ministers of Personnel, and Yoo Sik and Song Bin as Ministers of Taxation. Kim Deuk-gi’s tomb is in Hallim-myeon, and Lee Dae-hyeong’s tomb is in Sangdong-myeon.

Songdam Seowon is a memorial altar honoring four militia leaders—Kim Deuk-gi, Song Bin, Yu Sik, and Lee Dae-hyeong—who raised a militia in Gimhae during the Imjin War and died defending the fortress. In 1592, when Japanese forces who had captured Dongnae Fortress attacked Gimhae Fortress, General Seo Rye-won fled, abandoning the fortress. As the fortress was on the verge of fall, the four militia leaders each led their troops to fiercely fight the invaders and died in battle, marking the beginning of the Imjin militia movement. In 1708 (the 34th year of King Sukjong's reign), Pyochungsa Shrine was established in Juchon-myeon to honor Song Bin. Later, in 1784 (the 8th year of King Jeongjo's reign), Songdamsa Shrine was built in Jinrye-myeon to honor all three loyal subjects: Lee Dae-hyeong, Kim Deuk-gi, and Song Bin. In 1833 (the 33rd year of King Sunjo's reign), the shrine plaque was renamed Pyochungsa.

Opened on February 1, 2002, as part of the 1998 Millennium project to satisfy the public's curiosity about celestial bodies and space, inspire dreams and hope in growing youth, and provide romance and memories for citizens. The observatory's shape resembles an egg, originating from the legend that King Suro, the founder of Garakguk formed in the Gimhae area before the Common Era, was born from an egg. King Suro's queen, Heo Hwang-ok, is known as a princess from Ayuta Country in India, and it is reasonably assumed she navigated by the stars on her voyage to Garakguk without advanced navigation tools. Additionally, there is a historic record that a prince of Garakguk built an ancient astronomical observatory called 'Bibidan' on the Jinrye Toseong mound for star observation. Considering these historical facts, the Gaya confederacy centered around Gimhae had a deep relationship with the stars. Thus, the establishment of Gimhae Observatory is significant not only as a public observatory but also for continuing the astronomical culture of Gaya in the modern era. From the summit of Bunseong Mountain, where the observatory is located, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Gimhae city, with the night view being especially beautiful. Gimhae Observatory offers celestial observation, various experiential programs, and attractions, serving as a science and culture space to appreciate the mysteries of the universe and the beauty of the night sky.

Bunsanseong Fortress was originally built in 1377 (third year of King U of Goryeo) by official Bak Wi to block the Japanese pirates, and was reconstructed in 1871 (8th year of King Gojong) by official Jeong Hyeon-seok after being destroyed during the Imjin War. Considering that the fortress’s foundation selection method follows the teummoesik style typical of mountain fortresses in the Three Kingdoms period, it is presumed that the first construction dates back to the Gaya period. The fortress walls form a long oval shape north to south, surrounding the flat terrain at the mountain top; the nearly vertical stone walls are about 3 to 4 meters high, though many parts have collapsed. From Bunsanseong, you can overlook Gimhae city, Gimhae Plain, Nakdong River, and the South Sea at a glance. It is a teummoesik mountain fortress with stone walls ringed around the summit, currently leaving about 900 meters of walls on the city-facing slopes. Inside the fortress are two gates in the north and south, a secret gate on the west side, wells, and remains of several buildings. The fortress walls are a total of 929 meters long with an average width of about 8 meters. Inside the fortress is Haeunsa Temple, said to have been built to honor Queen Heo of Garakguk, who is believed to have come from the sea. The temple houses portraits of King Suro and Queen Heo painted during the Joseon Dynasty. It is said that Buddhist warrior monks were stationed here during the Imjin War. Among Gimhae citizens, the fortress is more familiarly known as Manjangdae; the name Manjangdae originated from the title granted by Daewongun during the Joseon Dynasty, recognizing it as a forward base to repel Japanese invaders and referring to the large height of the cliff, which stretches a huge length. On the rock behind the beacon tower restored in 1999, there is Daewongun’s calligraphy of the name Manjangdae and his seal engraved.