anheungjinseong (안흥진성)
While every fortress I’ve visited to date has its unique qualities, Anheungjinseong is unique for its use. You see, its the first Korean fortress I’ve visited established and maintained by the navy. Anheungjinseong was a Goryeo and Joseon navy base, intended initially to support operations—including those related to sustaining the relocated royal court during the Mongol invasions—on Ganghwa Island to the north. The village currently located within the walls of this medieval naval fortification is eclectic to say the least, and the walls but up against an active defense facility, limiting both photography and physical access, yet it was a surprising find on a routine drive along Korea’s west coast, and certainly worth a visit.
The main or West Gate pictured here and above is the most prevalent feature. Given this fortress’s purpose, one can imagine swarms of naval crews passing through this gate to the sound of warning gongs, bells, and drums, rushing to man their warships in response to some distant warning.
Some of the internal trails—above the village itself—are pretty overgrown, but the trail is clear to the South Gate.
What remains of the South Gate of Anheungjinseong, approaching from inside the fortress.
A view of the southwestern wall from atop the South Gate.
The view—despite the hazy summer conditions—was quite spectacular, unsurprising given the large number of islands off Korea’s western coast.
Anheungjinseong’s North Gate looks out over the valley to the North.
A view from in front of the North Gate looking toward the northwestern section of fortress wall.
The valley north of Anheungjinseong.