Walking the Tragic Historic Path of Ganghwado

Crossing Choji Bridge, the route from Choji Fortress through Deokjin Fortress and Gwangseong Garrison to Gapgot Fortress passes through the sites of fierce battles fought against foreign invasions during the late Joseon period -- the French campaign of 1866 and the U.S. campaign of 1871. At Choji Fortress, an old pine tree still bears the scars of cannonballs from that era. As the second course of the Ganghwa Trail, this journey lets you steadily explore Ganghwado's national defense heritage sites.

Along the way

1. 1

   Choji Fortress

   초지진

   Built in 1656 as a fortress to repel enemy invasion from the sea, Choji Fortress commanded Jangjapyeongdon and Seomamdon, both built in 1679. To this day, cannonball scars from that era remain in the old pine trees and the fortress walls, and cannons used by Joseon troops are on display inside the fortress. \nMoreLess

   

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2. 2
   Deokjin Fortress

   덕진진

   A key stronghold of the outer fortifications guarding the Ganghwa Strait since the Goryeo dynasty, it was originally a garrison post subordinate to the naval command. In 1677, a commanding officer (manho) was stationed there along with 26 military officers, 100 soldiers, 12 signal-fire guards, and 2 ships. Yongdu and Deokjindon batteries, built in 1679, were part of this garrison -- including Namjang Battery, Ganghwa's premier battery with 15 cannon emplacements, and Deokjin Battery with 10 cannon emplacements.\nMoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Gwangseong Garrison

   광성보

   In the 10th year of King Gwanghaegun's reign (1618), the outer fortifications from the Goryeo period were repaired, and Gwangseong Garrison was established in 1656; its watch-posts (dondae) were built in 1679, with the Odu, Hwado, and Gwangseong dondae and the Odujeong Battery placed under this garrison. Gwangseong Garrison retains the cannons, batteries, and fortress walls used at the time in good condition, making it a great destination to visit with children, and its view over the sea and the curved shape of the dondae leave a strong impression. \nMoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Gapgot Fortress

   갑곶돈대

   Gapgotdon was an important stronghold guarding the Ganghwa Strait while Goryeo moved its capital to Ganghwado from 1232 to 1270 during the war with the Mongols. It was a battery equipped with 8 cannons; a dondae is a small-scale fortified post built to hold and guard cannon emplacements.\nMoreLess

   

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