| Title |
The Location and Urban Structure of Gangdo in Goryeo Dynasty |
| Keywords |
강도(江都) ; 강화도 ; 도성 ; 입지 ; 간척 Gangdo ; Ganghwa Island ; Capital City ; Location ; Reclamation |
| Abstract |
Gangdo(江都) was the capital during the war against Mongol Invasion in Goryeo Dynasty. This study is regarding the background of transfer of the capital from Gaegyeong(開京) to Gangdo based on the philosophy of location and the geographical conditions of Gangdo. Meanwhile, it also discusses the shoreline changes of the Ganghwa Island and physical changes of the urban structure of Gangdo. The greatest feature of Gangdo is that it is located on the island since it was easy to defend Gangdo from the enemy. The inland and water transportation relations to Namgyeong(南京) and Gwangju(廣州), as well as many other natural factors, brought about the successful exchange of information and goods. Above all, the location of Gangdo indicated that it was possible to put on rations because of the farms cultivated by stationary troops on the wide reclaimed land. In addition to a lot of manpower produced during the warfare, the introduction of art and technology from Song Dynasty made cultivation possible along with the natural circumstances of Ganghwa Island. Finally, the entire shoreline of Ganghwa Island underwent tremendous change. Therefore, compared to Gaegyeong, Gangdo secured vast farmland both in and outside of the city. The capital was constructed in three layers: Gungseong(宮城, palace castle), Jungseong(中城, city wall) and Woeseong(外城, coast wall). The layout of Gungseong and Jungseong was similar to Gaegyeong. Although they were different between the density of settlement and the urbanized levels of Gangdo and Gaegyeong, the basic formation was the same in terms of street pattern, land use, infrastructure and natural environment. |