Dancheon

Tanch'ŏn lies in the mountainous northeastern country of Korea, where valleys descend toward the eastern sea. Its mineral resources drew the attention of the early Joseon court. King Taejo dispatched eighty soldiers to work for gold here, as the kingdom sought precious metals for tribute to Ming China. The remains of Tanch'ŏn Fortress recall the area's older place in the defence of the northern frontier.