Historic Site of Anti-Mongolian Struggle
Fortress of the Sambyeolcho rebellion against Mongol rule.
The Historic Site of Anti-Mongolian Struggle, also known as the Historic Site of Anti-Yuan Struggle and the Hangpaduri Hangmong Historic Site, is a protected area in Jeju Province, South Korea. It was once the location of an earthen fortress, Hangpadu/Hangpaduri Fortress, built in 1271 by the Sambyeolcho rebels who opposed the surrender of the Goryeo dynasty to the Yuan dynasty after the Mongol invasions of Korea. The fortress became the capital of the rebellion after the Sambyeolcho were defeated elsewhere, and it formed part of a defensive system including the Hwanhaejangseong coastal wall and village fortifications. After a combined Goryeo-Mongol invasion of 12,000 soldiers in 1273, the Sambyeolcho forces were defeated and the site fell into disuse.
Quick Facts
- Location
- 50, Hangpaduri-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea / 1126-1, Goseong-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju, Jeju-do and others / 1009-4 Sanggwi-ri (inner fortress)374
- Area
- ~110 ha
- Elevation
- 140 -
- Built
- 1271–1272
- Built For
- Sambyeolcho
- Governing Body
- Jeju City
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Hangpadu Fortress was constructed around 3 kilometers from Jeju's northern coastline, where coastal lowlands transition into mountainous interior. The location provided views of important coastal areas, the Jeju Strait, and the Korean Peninsula. The site lay between two rivers, with sloped terrain providing natural defenses, and had soil suitable for rammed earthen walls. Two layers of defense were built: an almost square inner fortress surrounded by 756 meters of walls, and a larger roughly oval area protected by 3.87 kilometers of walls. The inner fortress contained important buildings, including the Sambyeolcho headquarters. An additional wall extended from the north of the outer wall to protect two water sources.
Reader's Guide
The Historic Site of Anti-Mongolian Struggle represents a key episode in Korean resistance to Mongol domination. The fortress was the capital of the Sambyeolcho rebellion after their defeat elsewhere, and its design—similar to Ganghwasanseong Fortress and Yongjangseong Fortress—reflects defensive strategies of the Goryeo era. Artifacts found at the site, including roof tiles, indicate that mainland artisans came to Jeju with the Sambyeolcho, and roof tile techniques likely became more common on the island due to their use at Hangpaduri. The site came to national attention in the late 20th century when President Park Chung Hee saw it as a symbol of patriotism. It was recognized as a historic site in 1976, restored from 1977 to 1978, and designated National Historic Site No. 396 in 1997. Today, it serves educational and recreational purposes and hosts cultural events.
Did You Know?
- The fortress was built in 1271 by the Sambyeolcho rebels, who opposed Goryeo's surrender to the Yuan dynasty.
- The inner fortress walls measure 756 meters in total, forming a rough square.
- The site was designated a National Historic Site (No. 396) in 1997.
- A semi-circular earthen wall protected two springs, one reportedly used only by generals and the other by the rest of the army.
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