Gwangseongbo Fort, Ganghwa

Gwangseongbo, together with Deokjinjin, Chojijin, Yonghaejin and Munsusanseong Fortress, was an important fortress guarding the Ganghwa Strait. When Goryeo moved its capital to Ganghwa to resist the Mongol invasions, it built the outer wall of Ganghwa between 1233 and 1270; made of a mixture of earth and stone, the wall ran as a long line following the coast. It was rebuilt during the reign of King Gwanghaegun, and Gwangseongbo was first established in the ninth year of King Hyojong (1658). During the reign of King Sukjong part of the wall was rebuilt in stone, and the subordinate batteries of Yongdudondae, Odudondae, Hwadodondae and Gwangseongdondae were constructed. In the twenty-first year of King Yeongjo (1745) the wall was rebuilt and a gate was added, which was named Anhaeru. This was the site of the fiercest fighting during the Sinmi War of 1871. In this battle the Joseon army, though poorly armed, fought bravely, and all but a few of the soldiers died for their country; the gate tower and the low wall built along the top of the fortress were destroyed. The site was restored in 1976, and within the grounds of Gwangseongbo now stand the twin stele honouring General Eo Jae-yeon, who died for his country in the Sinmi War, the Sinmi Sunuichong mass grave for those who fell in the battle, the Ganghwa Battlefield Memorial built after the battle site was repaired, and steles recording the repairs. The name was changed from "Gwangseongbo" to "Gwangseongbo Fort, Ganghwa" (notified 28 July 2011).

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Ganghwa, Incheon

Designation

Historic Site · 사적