A Study on the Preservation Situation and Utilization Plan of the Ganghwa Dondae(fortification): Focusing on City-designated Cultural Properties

Ganghwa Island is located in the area where the Han river meets the West sea in Korea. The area of the island is 305.75㎢ which is the 5th largest island. In Ganghwa Island, a number of cultural heritage are located; one third of nationally or regionally designated cultural heritage are in the island among the designated heritage in Incheon. It means the cultural heritage would be a important resource for the local society. Among the important cultural heritage in the island, Ganghwa Dondae(fortification) is a significant heritage to show the history and culture of the island as a defense facilities surrounding the whole the island. Ganghwa island was a security and safety place for the Joseon Dynasty since the Manchu war of 1636 and place where Joseon faced the western imperialism in the 19th century. In these all historic events, Ganghwa Dondae(fortification) was a significant role to defend the Korean peninsula against the external forces. This paper attempts to suggest the strategies to preserve and use of the value of the Ganghwa Dondae(fortification). For this, academic research and documents of repair and restoration are explored and the present condition of the sites was examined for the 15 sites of Ganghwa Dondae(fortification) including use of the sites. As a result, some issues are identified about the lack of academic investigation and study for the management, authenticity and integrity, management of landscape and use programmes. In order to manage the value of the Ganghwa Dondae(fortification), the first step would be the scientific excavation on the sites to gather information for repair and restoration. It is also expected that the information will be contributed reconsideration for re-designation of the Ganghwa Dondae(fortification) as a serial property. Based on these study and the administrative support will develop the use programmes for the cultural resources as well as Ganghwa Dondae(fortification).