Dangjin Myeoncheon Town Fortress

About this place

Myeoncheon Town Fortress (eup-seong) is a flatland fortress in the center of Myeoncheon township, Dangjin City. Together with Dangjin, Seosan, and Taean, Myeoncheon was historically a key maritime gateway to China. As an important commercial and defensive corridor to China, it was treated as a vital stronghold from the Baekje period onward. The current fortress was built in 1439 (the 21st year of King Sejong) and served as the military and administrative center of Myeoncheon until the late Joseon period. The walls are built of well-dressed natural stone—stone-faced externally and filled with rubble then covered with earth internally. The current perimeter is 1,336 m; at the time of construction, including the cheseong (defensive towers) and onseong (barbicans), the total estimated length was about 1,564 m. This fortress is considered an excellent heritage site reflecting the Joseon-period regulations for constructing fortresses, and was equipped with four gate towers on all four sides. Inside the fortress are a ginkgo tree designated as a natural monument, Gunjujeong Pavilion, and a retro street; the Myeoncheon Azalea Folk Festival is held there every spring.