Gangjin Byeongyeong Village Old Walls

Gangjin Byeongyeong Village, whose name originates from the old military headquarters (yeong) of the Byeongmajeoldosa (Naval Commander), has maintained its legacy through a long history. Surrounded by large and small mountains such as Suinsan, Seongjasan, Oknyeobong, Byeollaksan, and Hwabangsan, it forms a natural fortress in a basin shape. The Byeongyeong Fortress, which once oversaw the military authority of Jeolla Province, was established here, leading to rapid commercial development. The site includes the designated historic site 'Byeongyeong Fortress Site,' which testifies to its history. The walls of Byeongyeong Village are generally earth-and-stone walls (toseokdam) built by alternating layers of stone and soil. The lower part uses relatively large granite stones, while the upper sections use smaller stones about the size of an adult fist. The walls are topped with roof tiles.

Additionally, auxiliary structures serving as walls are built to the same height and in the same manner as the walls, harmonizing well with each other. The walls are relatively high, about 2 meters, which seems related to the village's character as a military camp. The village alleys are straight, making the walls appear even more orderly. Notably, the wall-building method, said to have been learned from Hamel and his party during their seven-year stay here from 1656 to 1663, involves laying thin stones at an angle of about 15 degrees in a dense pattern, then alternating layers in the next row—a kind of herringbone pattern (locally called 'Hamel-style wall building'). This shows a unique technique different from other regions.