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Nagan Folk Village, or Naganeupseong (Historic Site #302), go here for more information, remains the best preserved of the walled fortress towns of the Chosun period (1392 - 1910). Clicking on the larger images in the lefthand column will take you to the Life in Korea webpage.

The town was often plundered by Japanese pirates during the late Koryo period, so an earthen wall was constructed in 1397. According to records, villagers replaced the earthen wall with a stone one in 1424. The walls are 1.4 meters high and gates offer entry on the east, west, and south sides. Four protruding battlements offer defense against invaders. Inside the walls are many well-preserved houses and other buildings. Most houses consist of two or three grass-thatched buildings, a yard, and a vegetable garden. The buildings represent living quarters or storage facilities that can serve as a place for animals, storage of ash, and toilet facilities. Although the tops of the surrounding walls have deteriorated with time, they have been restored and the whole village and its walls have been collectively designated as an Historic Site. Many of the buildings once housed in the village are being rebuilt. One unusual aspect of the town is that it was inhabited by a number of different clans rather than having one dominant one.

Along with the protective walls, the entrance gates have been excavated and restored. Nine private houses have been designated Important Folklore Materials. A Choson period office, gate, stone stairs, and the stone wall of a government guest house for traveling officials have also been restored to their original condition. Near the East gate stands the Nagan Hyanggyo, the Confucian Academy and Shrine.

At the center of town is a monument to General Lim Kyong-op (1594-1646), constructed in recognition of his outstanding service as county chief. Villagers believe that his spirit continues to protect the town. Every 15th lunar day of the New Year, villagers perform a ceremony to worship General Lim's spirit and ask for his continued vigilance over the town. In addition, the area is used for the annual Sunch'eon Food Festival.

The village has about 280 residents. Unlike other folk villages in Korea, the residents actually own their land and houses. Because of the town's designation as an Historical Site, the residents must constantly maintain the condition of the buildings. The straw roofs need to be replaced on an annual basis and cannot be modernized with tiles. Although tourism has been rising, the residents continue to maintain a haven of Korea's past within their walls.
...from Life in Korea website.