조선후기 평안도지역 內地 거점방어체계

Abstract

Examined in this article, is the process of establishing an effective defense system in 4 regions such as Pyeongyang, Anju, Yeongbyeon and Guseong, which were also key security bases of the Pyeongan province. The process had taken place during the late Joseon dynasty. In the early days of the 17th century, the Joseon government had to prepare itself for the possibility that the country might be engaging the newly rising Qing China in a full scale war, so defense plans that would successfully guard the border area along the Yalu(river) and also the inland vital areas had to be devised quickly. During the reign of King Injo, the defense system of Yeongbyeon and Anju, areas that were near to the Cheongcheon river, was established. The Anju area was of particular importance, as it was a key point of strategic importance in terms of transportation. But after the Byeongja war, which was ended in a rather humiliating treaty, the defense system of the Pyeongan province was dismantled completely at once. During the latter half period of the 17th century, international situations started to shift and change rather rapidly, so the Pyeongan province defense system had to be reinstated. Additional construction of fortresses in the Yeongbyeon area ensued, and during the early half period of the 18h century, every key areas like Anju, Pyeongyang, Guseong were all provided with new fortresses or additional repairs of fortresses. New military force detachments, named Jangshib-bu(壯十部), were stationed there as well, and general drills of guarding the fortresses also continued, solidifying the level of defense ability of the Pyeongan-do region. This inland defense system of the Pyeongan province was maintained until the early days of the 19th century. It operated quite successfully during the crisis instigated by the massive insurgence led by Hong Gyeong Rae.