안흥진 설진과 안면도 봉수로의 변천

Abstract

Since ancient times, the construction of fortifications with defensive walls and beacon stations had been a major means of defense against foreign invaders of Korea. Considering the frequent incursions by Japanese pirates, the need for safe passage of tax-grain transport vessels and the appearance of Western merchant ships along the mid-western coastline of the Korean Peninsula, it was only natural that the inhabitants of the area around Taean and Anheung should build fortifications and beacon stations, although none of these defensive structures remain today. The purpose of this study is to deepen our knowledge of the beacon stations that were built around the Anheungryang Strait (formerly called Nanhaengnyang as it was “a difficult strait to navigate” due to fierce currents) and Anmyeondo Island in Taean, and the Jiryeongsan and Nammyeon-Jammuni Beacon Stations in particular. The main discussion of this study is focused on the Nammyeon-Jammuni Beacon Station, which was originally built in 1447 (29th year of the reign of King Sejong) by the Provincial Naval Headquarters (Suyeong) of Chungcheong-do Province as part of its effort to defend the area against Japanese pirates. The study has revealed the location of the beacon station and the changes it underwent in order to link it with other beacon stations, and when and where the Yoaryangsu military base was established. It also attempts to show that the place named Nammyeong-Jammuni originally referred to the area currently occupied by the Anmyeongdaegyo Bridge linking Anmyeondo Island with the mainland, and that the sea route of the taxgrain ships was altered during the late Joseon period, bringing it closer to presentday Cheonsuman Bay. The study also includes discussions about the background to the construction of a fortification with a beacon station in the area of Taean and Anheung, which was targeted by Japanese pirates far more than other areas. The discussion concludes that the traditional concept of defense centered on a fortress with defensive walls and beacon stations was also applied to the defense of Taean and Anheung, and that the use of watchtowers and guard towers was adopted to support the traditional beacon station system, in an effort to cope with the “alien vessels” of Western imperial powers which began to appear Korean waters in the early nineteenth century.