GANGHWA COUNTY

Gwangseongbo Fort was established in 1658, the ninth year of the reign of King Hyojong, as one of the 12 coastal defense posts in Ganghwa. It was responsible for Hwado Dondae, Odu Dondae, Gwangseong Dondae, and Odujeong Battery, which was constructed in 1874, the 11th year of the reign of King Gojong. When the fortifications were rebuilt in 1745, the 21st year of the reign of King Yeongjo, a gate was constructed and named Anhaeru Pavilion. Gwangseongbo Fort was the site of the fiercest fighting during the United States expedition to Korea in 1871, the eighth year of King Gojong’s reign. After advancing through Chojijin Fort and Deokjinjin Fort, the U.S. forces subjected Gwangseongbo Fort to heavy artillery fire before landing, leaving it devastated. Eo Jae-yeon, who had previously served at Gwangseongbo Fort during the French expedition to Korea in 1866, concealed his troops in a safe location away from the bombardment and then fought the U.S. forces as they landed. The Joseon troops fought fiercely without retreating but were defeated because they could not overcome their disadvantage in weaponry, and most of the soldiers were killed. The U.S. forces withdrew after the Battle of Gwangseongbo without achieving their objective. From the U.S. perspective, the United States expedition to Korea was an event in which it won the battle but lost the war. Within Gwangseongbo Fort are Gwangseong Dondae; Ssangchungbigak Pavilion, which commemorates the loyalty of the brothers Eo Jae-yeon and Eo Jae-sun; Sinmi Sunuichong, where unidentified soldiers killed in battle are buried; Sondolmok Dondae; and Yongdu Dondae.