GANGHWA COUNTY

Deokpojin Fort was originally located in Ganghwa but was relocated to Tongjin, present-day Daegot-myeon in Gimpo-si, in 1666, the seventh year of the reign of King Hyeonjong. Deokjinjin Fort was then established on the former site and placed in charge of Sondolmok Dondae and Deokjin Dondae. During the reign of King Sukjong, a temporary palace called Deokjinjeongsa was built here, but it was later abolished after a new temporary palace was constructed in the town center. During the French expedition to Korea in 1866, the third year of the reign of King Gojong, the forces led by Yang Heon-su passed through Deokjinjin Fort on their way to Jeongjoksanseong Fortress, where they defeated the French forces. During the United States expedition to Korea in 1871, the eighth year of King Gojong’s reign, the fort was the site of an artillery battle with the American fleet. In 1976, the fortress walls and dondae outposts were repaired, Namjang Battery was rebuilt, the gate pavilion was reconstructed, and replicas of the cannons used at the time were installed. Deokjinjin Fort now contains Gongjoru Pavilion (拱潮樓), its gate pavilion, Namjang Battery, Deokjin Dondae, and the Haemunbangsubi Monument (海門防守碑) erected by Daewongun. The monument bears the inscription “海門防守他國船愼勿過,” meaning, “Guard and defend the gateway to the sea, and do not allow ships from other countries to pass.”