Gwangseongbo Fortress

Gwangseongbo is one of the 12 Jinbo (coastal defense units) of Ganghwa, established in 1658. It oversaw Hwadodondae, Odudondae, Gwangseongdondae, and Odujeong Fortress built in 1874. In 1745, the fortress was rebuilt and a gate was constructed, named 'Anhaeru (按海樓)'.

Gwangseongbo was the site of the most intense battle during the 1871 Sinmiyangyo (U.S. expedition to Korea). After passing through Choji Jin and Deokjin Jin, the U.S. forces reached Gwangseongbo and bombarded it before landing, devastating the fortress. General Eo Jae-yeon (魚在淵), who had previously served at Gwangseongbo during the Byeonginyangyo (French campaign against Korea), hid his troops in a safe place to avoid the bombardment and fought against the landing U.S. forces. The Joseon army fought bravely without retreating but ultimately lost due to inferior weaponry.