Management of Namhansanseong in late Joseon

Namhansanseong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal fortress of the Joseon Dynasty, transitioned from a critical military stronghold to a financial resource during late Joseon (18th–19th centuries). Initially constructed as a defense base against Qing invasions, its strategic importance waned after mid-18th century due to reduced war probabilities. The study reveals that Namhansanseong's stored rations, originally meant for military use, became a supplementary financial tool for the royal court. However, poor harvests and corruption hindered maintenance of standard quantities, leading to fabricated records in the 19th century. Analyzing official records chronologically, the research maps policy shifts and operational changes, providing foundational data for future studies on the fortress's management and historical significance.

Kang, S.-H. (2023). Management of Namhansanseong in late Joseon. Institute for Kyeongki Cultural Studies, 44(1), 207–229. https://doi.org/10.26426/kcs.2023.44.1.207