Geochang

Geochang's administrative standing changed repeatedly during the early Joseon period. In 1414 it was joined with Geoje to form Jechang, but the arrangement was reversed in 1422. The merger reflected a local history in which Geoje's administration and people had taken refuge inland, bringing the distant coastal community into the Geochang country.

Court politics later altered the locality's rank. In 1495 Geochang was promoted from a hyeon to a gun. In 1506 it was reduced again after Queen Dangyeong, whose family seat was Geochang, was deposed. These changes connected a hill-country district with decisions at the royal court. Its name and administrative place survived the temporary merger and shifts in status, while the association of local family origins with royal households could give political events far away a direct effect upon the district.