Taean Anheungjin Fortress Designated as Historic Site

"Seohaean Coastal Defense Sites with Confirmed Construction Year and Background"
"Best Preserved Among Nationwide Tongjeyeong, Bangeoyeong, Suyeong, and Naval Fortresses"

Taean Anheungjin Fortress

Anheungjin Fortress in Taean, Chungnam, will be designated as a nationally recognized historic site. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 20th that it will collect opinions from various sectors for a month and finalize the designation after a review by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

It is the largest naval fortress (水軍鎭城, a fortress built by naval forces along the coastal cliffs) constructed in Taean. The fortress was built along the ridgeline from the foothills to the summit, enclosing a valley. The total length is 1,714 meters. The construction period is estimated to be the 11th year of King Seonjo’s reign (1583). The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, “Inscribed stones (刻字石, stones engraved with information related to the construction) and parapets (女墻, structures installed to protect the body from enemy arrows or bullets) remain, allowing us to understand the construction and changes of the fortress.”

1872 Local Map (Enlarged View of Anheungjin Fortress)

Due to its geographical characteristics, Anheungjin Fortress was used as a major base on the transport route (waterway). The original purpose of construction was the stable defense of Hanyang and Ganghwado Island. The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, “In the 3rd year of King Gojong’s reign (1866), it was promoted to Anheung Defense Camp (a military camp led by a second-rank commander) and served the role and function of the Chungcheong Naval Headquarters’ camp in the late 18th century.” They added, “Through historical records such as the 'Annals of the Joseon Dynasty,' 'Daedongjiji,' and 'Bibyeonsa Deungnok,' the year of construction, background, and completion period can be clearly confirmed. It is a coastal defense site on the west coast with military facilities.” They also noted, “Among the nationwide Tongjeyeong, Bangoyeong, Suyeong, and naval fortresses, it is in the best-preserved condition, making its preservation value very high.”

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