This is a relic dating back to the period of Koguryo, which in the mid-6th century went up as the northern gate to the inner walls of the Walled City of Pyongyang. The present-day gate tower was rebuilt in the 18th century.

The name Chilsong is derived from the seven stars of the Great Bear.

The gate was a stronghold in itself, which was difficult to attack but easy to defend.

The late 16th century witnessed a battle by the Righteous Volunteers and other patriotic people to retake the Walled City of Pyongyang from Japanese invaders, in which the Koreans launched a sweeping attack through this gate.  

An example of Koguryo architecture, the gate was put up in the overlapping gap of walls, divided into similar lengths–a design to give defenders a definite edge over the attacking force.

Having been repaired several times since its erection, the relic was seriously damaged by the US imperialists’ air raids during the Fatherland Liberation War. Subsequently, according to the Workers’ Party of Korea’s policy of conserving national heritage, it was restored to its original state.