GANGHWA COUNTY

Chojijin Fort was one of the 12 coastal defense posts in Ganghwa. After the Manchu invasion of 1636, the west coast defense system was reorganized around Ganghwa Island, and military posts (鎭) along the southwestern coast of Gyeonggi Province were relocated to Ganghwa and nearby areas. In 1653, the fourth year of the reign of King Hyojong, Yeongjongjin Fort was moved from Namyang to Jayeondo Island in Incheon-bu. After Yeongjongjin Fort was established there, the island came to be known as Yeongjongdo Island. The fort was relocated because Jayeondo occupied a key position along the sea route leading into Ganghwa. Yeongjongdo thus became the first line of defense for Ganghwa Island. Chojijin Fort was relocated from Ansan in 1656, the seventh year of King Hyojong’s reign, and was placed in command of Choji Dondae, Jangjapyeong Dondae, and Seomam Dondae. It was the site of fierce fighting with U.S. forces during the United States expedition to Korea in 1871, the eighth year of the reign of King Gojong. It was also the scene of a fierce battle with Japanese troops attempting to land during the Unyo Incident of 1875, the 12th year of King Gojong’s reign. The Joseon troops defending Chojijin Fort repelled the Japanese forces, which then attacked Yeongjongdo Island as they withdrew. Chojijin Fort was subsequently demolished, leaving only Choji Dondae, which had once been under its command. Cannons are displayed inside the restored dondae, and a pine tree beside it still bears marks believed to have been caused by artillery fire during either the United States expedition to Korea or the Unyo Incident.