history

It is the northern gate of the keep of the Walled City of Pyongyang.

It was built in the mid-6th century in the period of Koguryo and the present gatehouse was rebuilt in 1712.

The name of the gate derived from the Ursa Major in the north, meaning a northern gate.

Its clever structure greatly increased the defence capability.

The walls on its both sides going down from the north and south were erected to pass each other for 10 metres and the gate was constructed crossways between them. The outer wall sticks out a little further to serve as a bastion. And the archway and steep slope leading to the gateway made it difficult for enemies to attack.