Myeongwol Fortress Site

The remains of Myeongwol Fortress, which survive in the area of Myeongwol-ri and Dongmyeong-ri, Hallim-eup, Bukjeju-gun, Jeju City, are said to have been built in 1510, the fifth year of King Jungjong of Joseon, by the mok-sa (provincial governor) Jang Rim. At the time, nearby Biyangdo Island served as a mooring place for Japanese warships, and the fortress was built here to defend against them; it is said to have had a circumference of 3,020 cheok and a height of 8 cheok, with gates on the east, west and south sides. Records also state that there was a spring inside the fortress from which water gushed out like a stream, so that there was never any worry about water shortages. There was one general guarding the fortress, along with a guest house for lodging and a storehouse for weapons, and 103 oarsmen are said to have been stationed there. It was extensively repaired during the reign of King Seonjo (r. 1567–1608), but much of the fortress wall has been damaged over the years since. At present, only a part of the fortress beside the main road has been restored, while the rest remains south of the village in its old state, tangled with vines. Standing atop the fortress, the village spreads out immediately below, and the sea off Jeju can be seen clearly in the distance, showing how it allowed the swift repulsion of enemies invading from the coast at the time.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jeju City, Jeju

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물