Ganghwasanseong Fortress
South Korea · Asia
About
Ganghwasanseong Fortress (Hanja) was a fortress that started construction in 1232 to serve as the capital of the Goryeo kingdom. It was built following the relocation of the Goryeo court from Kaesong to Ganghwa Island during the Mongol invasions of Korea. Although it was destroyed as part of a peace deal with the Mongols, parts were later rebuilt and continued to serve a defensive purpose until the 20th century. The original structure consisted of three concentric rammed earth walls, reflecting the design of the Kaesong city walls. The inner wall surrounded the palace site, and the outer wall extended down Ganghwa Island's eastern coastline. This system was intended to prevent invasions from the mainland. The inner and outer walls were rebuilt during the Joseon period, however the middle wall was never rebuilt. Both walls were eventually reconstructed in stone. The strategic location of the fortress, protecting the mouth of the Han River, meant it remained an important military site. It was damaged during the 1866 French expedition to Korea and the 1871 United States expedition to Korea. The Japan–Korea Treaty of 1876 was signed at the site. The inner fortress was designated a Historic Site in 1964, and has seen significant restoration work since. The outer walls were designated a separate Historic Site in 2003.
Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.