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Question:

It is reported that the "Hosanjang fortress" was recently found to be the eastern starting point of the Great Wall of China and the Chinese government held various events to make this finding known. Where the Hosanjang fortress and what is its relation to the Korean history?

Answer:

The Hosanjang fortress by removing its relation to Goguryeo

Across the Yalu River from Shinuiju, North Korea is Dandong, China today. Dandong has a lot of historical sites because Koreans had to pass through this area to Liaodong or Chinese should walk across Liaodong to the Korean peninsular in the past. For instance, "Juliancheong" always appears in the history of Korea-China relations during the Joseon period. The traces of "Chaekmun" of "Chaekmunhusi" (a black market), which was covered in many textbooks related to cross-border trade" can be found in a small town of "Byeonmun" in northern Dandong. However, in this area, there is another tourist attraction ? the Hosanjang fortresses.

The Hosanjang fortress has been restored to the image of the Great Wall of China that is well known through various media. It is reported that the restoration was based on the fact that the foundation of the castle wall, which was built by hardening the soil, was discovered at the southern foot of the Hosan (Ho Mountain). Seeing that "Mangwoocho" is marked at the Wall's current location on a map from the Ching period, it is believed that there was a certain facility. In order to know whether it is the Great Wall or not, we need to wait for a detailed explanation about in what course the Great Wall around Sanhaiguan was connected to this area and where the remaining relics are. This is because China's declaration is running counter to the common sense that the Great Wall of China started from "Gayokguan" in the west to Sanhaiguan in the east during the Ming period.

In addition, the Ming dynasty built a wall in Liaodon. It seems that this wall is a major foundation in extending the Great Wall of China. Since the emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the construction of the Great Wall of China, it became a symbol of marking the border between the Chinese dynasty and the nomadic people in the north. The Ming dynasty connected the remaining Wall and reinforced it with bricks into its current shape. This means that the Ming dynasty did not add some change to the function of the Great Wall. Unlike this, the Liaodong wall, which was built by hardening the soil, has not been included in the Great Wall of China.

China's hidden intention

In this light, it seems that China's intention of extending the Great Wall of China has something to do with its attempt to emphasize that the northeastern region has been part of China from the past. Thus, regardless of its original historical value, the Great Wall is being transformed into a new symbol implying that the northeastern region of the Ming dynasty has been integrated into China.

한편Meanwhile, apart from the real existence of the Great Wall, explanations about the historical site do not reflect its historical origin. China found a Goguryeo wall too while searching for the remains of the Great Wall. It is assumed to be "Bakjak fortress" which defended Goguryeo from Tang forces going up the Yalu River, which is covered in many history books. "Mangwoocho" is believed to have been built on the same foundation. According to a record, a Tang envoy came across the Yellow Sea and Yalu River to this estuary where "Bakjak fortress" stood. Therefore, Goguryeo and "Bakjak forteress" should not be excluded when discussing the historical origion of this place. Nevertheless, explanations at the site do not include its relevant history. Restored historical sites, and exhibitions and explanations at a museum are good materials for history education in themselves. I am worried about what will result from the history education that does not reflect the past history appropriately.