Gwangseongbo Fort, Ganghwa

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.227

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1971

Location

강화군, 인천광역시— 인천 강화군 불은면 덕성리 23-1번지

Coordinates

37.664984, 126.530093

This was an important fortress along with Deokjinjin, Chojijin, Yonghaejin Forts and Munsusanseong Fortress in the defense the Ganghwa Strait. The Goryeo Dynasty erected the outer fortress of Ganghwa (1233~ 1270) while it moved its capital to Ganghwa Island for do-or-die resistance against the invasion of the Mongols. It was constructed of mixed clay and stones over a long distance following the strait. It underwent repair in the reign of King Gwanghaegun. Gwangseongbo Fort was instituted in the 9th year of King Hyojong’s reign. It was made partly of stone, and army institutions and fortifications like Yongdu, Odu, Hwado and Gwangseong were established here. The fortress was reconstituted when its gate, later called Anhaeru (meaning “peaceful sea”) was built. It was the scene of furious fighting as the front line of the battle against the American expeditionary force in 1871. In that battle, in spite of their brave struggle, all but a few of the soldiers on the Joseon side of were killed due to their inferior equipment. The upper chamber of the gate and low fences erected on the top of the fortress walls were destroyed. It was restored to its original condition in 1976. A stele was erected for Eo Jae-yeon, a general who died gloriously in the battle. Ganghwa battlefield was reconstructed, and Sinmisunuichong, a tomb for the unknown dead of the battle, repaired. A memorial stone records the repair and restoration work.

Location