Jinnamgwan Hall, Yeosu

The East Jeolla-do Province Navy Headquarters was established in 1479 to defend the southern coastal area of the peninsula during the Joseon period (1392-1910). It was a special type of walled town, which were established at an important location in an area to protect residents and serve military and administrative functions. It was closed in 1895.

According to records, there were 80 government buildings, 2,042 private residences, nine wells, and a pond inside the headquarters. However, almost none of the former headquarters remains apart from Jinnamgwan Hall and some parts of the wall. In spring, many plum blossom trees bloomed, and this walled town was known as “plum encampment fortress.”

Navy Command of the Three Provinces

The Navy Command of the Three Provinces was established in 1593. It was created especially for Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who was immensely successful as commander of the East Jeolla-do Province Navy during the Japanese invasions of 1592. The command oversaw the three southern provinces during the Joseon period (1392-1910), namely Jeolla-do, Gyeongsang-do, and Chungcheong-do. It was abolished in 1895 due to administrative reforms.

Jinnamgwan Hall

Jinnamgwan Hall is located on the site of Jinhaeru Pavilion, a command post used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598. This hall was used as the guesthouse of the East Jeolla-do Province Navy Headquarters during the Joseon period (1392-1910). It is the longest remaining extant Joseon-period local government office building.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08