Naganeupseong

Lore & Background

The fortress was constructed in 1397 by general Kim Bin-gil during the reign of King Taejo of Joseon, intended to defend the area after the defeat of the Wokou pirates. It was initially surrounded by a sand wall, but was fortified with a stone wall during the rule of King Injo under the guidance of general Im Gyeong-eop, who served as governor of Nagan from 1626 to 1628. After his death, a monumental house was built by the people of Nagan, which still stands in the village.

Reader's Guide

Naganeupseong's significance lies in its exceptional preservation of a Joseon-era administrative town, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of common people rather than aristocrats. The village retains 231 houses in their original condition, including nine 19th-century thatched-roof houses designated as national heritages, making it a valuable resource for academic research on South Jeolla architecture. Its inclusion on the tentative list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 2010 underscores its cultural importance. The site also serves as a venue for cultural events such as the annual South Jeolla Food Festival and traditional music performances, and has been a popular filming location for period dramas and films, including 'Masquerade' and 'Dong Yi.'

Did You Know?

• The fortress was initially built with a sand wall in 1397 and later fortified with a stone wall under King Injo.
• General Im Gyeong-eop served as governor of Nagan from 1626 to 1628, and a monumental house was built in his honor after his death.
• Nine 19th-century thatched-roof houses in the village are designated as national heritages.