Gwangseongbo Fortress
광성보 · Incheon · Palaces & heritage
Gwangseongbo Fortress’s outer wall from the Goryeo era was mended in 1618. The fortress was built in 1656 and the outpost was constructed in 1679. It was completely remodeled into a masonry castle with gates in 1745. During Sinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871), Gwangseongbo was the fiercest battle ground in Ganghwa. On April 24, 1871, a fleet with 1,230 American naval forces led by Rear Admiral John Rodgers landed on Ganghwado Island to demand the opening of Korea's ports and commerce. The armed forces attacked Chojijin Fortress and Deokjinjin Camp, then marched to Gwangseongbo Fortress, where they engaged in close combat with the warriors of Joseon. Although General Eo Jae-yeon and the other warriors were poorly equipped with far inferior weapons, they bravely fought to the death against the invading forces. · · The battlefield ruins of the fortress and the gate towers such as Anhaeru, Gwangseongdon, Sondolmokdon, and Yongdudon were repaired in 1977. The twin tombs of General Eo Jae-Yeon and his brother Eo Jae-seon, along with the anonymous tombs of warriors who died on the battlefield were also honorably arranged at the same time. Furthermore, a stone monument commemorating the restoration of Ganghwa Battlefield was erected on Yongdudondae Post. · · In 1988, an extensive rest area was created toward the shore for visitors’ convenience. Gwangseongbo Fortress is presently designated as Historical Relic No. 227. A religious service known as Gwangseongje is held annually to commemorate the patriotic spirits of General Eo Jae-yeon and other unnamed warriors. This service takes place at 11 a.m. on every April 24th of the lunar calendar.
| Type | Palaces & heritage |
|---|---|
| Region | Incheon |
| Address | 27, Haeandong-ro 466beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon |
Getting there
On nearby while you're here
Events run on fixed dates — check these against your own trip. Trip Planner shows everything on for the days you are in Korea.
- Aug 7, 2026 – Nov 7, 2026Bogugot: Walking Through Time
Nearby places
Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center
Ganghwa Haesoo Land
Geumpung Brewery
ARTFACTORY CHARMGIROOM
Ganghwa Luge (Ganghwa Seaside Resort) (강화루지(강화씨사이드리조트))
Ganghwa Seonwonsa Temple Site
Donggeomdo (Trail, Campground, Art Cinematheque) (동검도(나들길,캠핑,예술극장))
