Chojijin Fort, Ganghwa

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.225

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1971

Location

강화군, 인천광역시— 인천 강화군 길상면 초지리 624번지

Coordinates

37.632749, 126.532535

This is a fortress built in the 7th year of the reign of King Hyojong (1656) of the Joseon Dynasty in order to defend against seaborne attacks. Its predecesor was Manhoyeong (a naval encampment called Manho) located in Chojiryang in Ansan, but in 1666 Chojiryangyeong (a camp named Chojiryang) was moved here while its status was raised from yeong (a regiment) to jin (a division). This fortress was the front line in the period of invasions from America and Japan in the 1870s. The inferiority of firepower on the Joseon side meant it was occupied by U.S. troops after a battle in 1871 and all the military installations including an armory and a powder magazine were destroyed. And the attack of the warship Unyo, dispatched by the Japanese navy to forcibly open the harbor to foreign shipping, resulted in the Ganghwa Treaty between Joseon and Japan in the 13th year rule of King Gojong (1876). This treaty gave Japan the lawful authority to colonize Joseon. Only the sites of a fortification and the fortress wall remained, but the Choji fortification was restored to its former condition recently. At present, some cannons that were fired at that time and the repaired fortress walls are exhibited so as not to forget the lessons of this national ordeal and the need for guardianship of the country.

Location