Ganghwadoseong Fortress
During the invasions against the Goryeo dynasty conducted by the Mongolian Empire between 1232 and 1270, Ganghwado served
as the former’s capital city in lieu of Gaegyeong (today’s Gaeseong), with this period being referred to as the Gangdo era. Seoul
National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage has been performing academic investigations on the related fortresses, ancient
tombs, temple sites, and temporary royal residence sites in Ganghwado, the only ancient Goryeo capital south of the armistice line.
Ganghwajungseong Fortress – Massive Earthen Fortification
Surrounding the Capital City of Goryeo
The entire length of Ganghwajungseong Fortress that surrounds
Ganghwadoseong Fortress reaches 11.4km. The investigation
results show that the fortress was built to measure 4.5-5m in
width and over 3m in height using the rammed earth technique
of tamping soil between planks. Gates were installed at traffic
route points to seamlessly connect the inside of the fortress with
the outside. Chiseong (battlement with lookouts) were added
on top of the fortress walls for the maintenance and defense of
these traffic route points. Ganghwajungseong Fortress is a leading
example of the fortress system at that time, which was designed
to define and defend the premises of a capital city.
Ancient Tombs of Ganghwadoseong Fortress
Many ancient tombs of the Goryeo dynasty, including six royal tombs, are located across Ganghwado. In particular, over
118 tombs have been identified on five different ridges near
Seokreung Royal Tomb. Excavations have been conducted on 15
of these 118 tombs. Most of the ancient tombs here are either
in the form of a stone-lined tomb or pit tomb, and many of
them are built with gokjang (wall surrounding a tomb on three
sides with one side remaining open) and a multiple-story altar.
The stone-lined tomb, formed by joining six stone plates and
mainly found in Ganghwado, well displays the funerary traits of
Ganghwado during the Goryeo dynasty.
Manisan Mountain – Religious Center During the Gangdo Era
Chamseongdan Altar at the summit of Manisan Mountain to
the south of Ganghwadoseong Fortress was used for national
rites presided over by the king. Several temples were also built
on Manisan Mountain, one of which is Myojisa Temple known
Academic Research and Study on Major Historic Sites of Goryeo
to have been visited by King Wonjong in 1259 on his way to
Chamseongdan Altar. It was discovered through the recent
excavation that the temple originally consisted of one main hall
and two annex halls in a perpendicular layout. The second floor
of the main hall was designed as nugak (attic-like structure with
its floor raised from the ground by a single story), covered with
gudeul (underfloor heating), and equipped with front numaru
(traditional wood-floored room used to entertain guests but
distinguished from the main living room).
During the Gangdo era, a series of temporary royal residences
was constructed in Ganghwado, as evidenced by the site
presumed to have been established in 1259 in and around
Manisan Mountain. This site measures approximately 100m
in width, with traces of embankments and gudeul facilities
discovered on the premises.
Seeking Ways to Promote Research on
Ganghwadoseong Fortress
Ganghwadoseong Fortress is the legacy of the
only Goryeo capital south of the armistice line
on the Korean Peninsula. It brims with traces
testifying to the cultural traits of the Goryeo
dynasty in the 13th century and is more than
worth continued research. Seoul National
Research Institute of Cultural Heritage is striving
to expand the parameters of research on the
culture of the Goryeo dynasty centering on
Ganghwadoseong Fortress through publications
and academic seminars.
Publications Related to Goryeodoseong Fortress in Ganghwado
Ganghwa National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2017,
Research on the Formation of the Academic Foundation for
Ganghwado’s Goryeodoseong Fortress
Ganghwa National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2018,
Report on the Status Investigation of Goryeo Tomb Distribution in Ganghwado
Ganghwa National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2018,
Royal Tombs During the Gangdo Period
Ganghwa National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2019,
Report on the Excavation and Investigation of the
Temporary Royal Residence Site in Heungwang-ri, Ganghwado
Ganghwa National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2020,
Analysis and Study of Sedimentation Along the Eastern Coast of Ganghwa-eup
Ganghwa National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2020,
Sourcebook of Goryeo Dynasty Tombs
Ganghwa National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2020,
Report on the Excavation and Investigation of the
Ancient Tombs near Seokreung Royal Tomb in Ganghwado
Ganghwa National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2022,
Report on the 1st Through 3rd Excavations and Investigations of
Ganghwajungseong Fortress
Seoul National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2023,
Sourcebook of Goryeo Dynasty Fortress Heritage
Seoul National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, 2023,
Report on the Academic Research on Ganghwado’s Manisan Mountain
01 Ganghwadoseong Fortress viewed from Namsan Mountain
02 Western wall of Ganghwajungseong Fortress
03 Western wall and gate site of Ganghwajungseong Fortress
04 Chiseong near the Daemungogae Pass section of Ganghwajungseong Fortress
05 Stone-Lined Tomb 40 among the ancient tombs near Seokreung Royal Tomb 06 Stone-Lined Tombs 52, 53, and 54 near Seokreung Royal Tomb
07 Architectural features of Myojisa Temple site
08 Temporary royal residence site in Heungwang-ri subject to investigation