Namdojinseong Fortress, Jindo

This fortress is said to have been built to defend the coast during the reign of King Wonjong of Goryeo (r. 1259–1274), when the Sambyeolcho fought the Mongols on Jindo Island, and it is said that the Sambyeolcho set out from here when they moved to Jeju Island. However, during the Baekje period there were three villages on Jindo, and this site is thought to have been the centre of one of them; since occupation continued here through Unified Silla and into the Goryeo period, it is highly likely that a fortress already existed here in the Three Kingdoms period. From the 13th century, Japanese pirates repeatedly raided the coast, and in the second year of King Chungjeong of Goryeo (1350) the local government office and people of Jindo took refuge inland, returning only in the early years of King Sejong's reign. Eventually, in the 20th year of King Sejong (1438), a manhobu — a military garrison typically stationed along the coast — was established here, and a fortress was built to guard against Japanese pirates; the fortress that survives today is thought to date from after this time. The sites of the east, west and south gates are well preserved, and although the perimeter is only around 400 metres, the fortress is a highly valuable site, showing the importance of its position in protecting the coastal region. Note: the name was changed from 'Namdoseokseong' to 'Namdojinseong Fortress, Jindo' (announced 28 July 2011).

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jindo, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Historic Site · 사적