Heungyang

Heungyang was the Joseon-period name associated with the Goheung peninsula on Korea's southern coast. In 1441 the administrative seat moved onto former Duwon territory, Namyang was joined to the jurisdiction, and the name Heungyang was adopted. The resulting county brought several older local divisions into a new arrangement under provincial government.

Its coast also formed part of the kingdom's naval defences. Commanders with the rank of manho were stationed at Sado, Nokdo, Yeodo and Balpo, with fortifications protecting the bases. Balpo was one of the posts at which Yi Sun-sin served before his later naval command. Beacon stations provided another line of communication: signals passed through Paljeon, Mabuk, Cheondeung and Janggi mountains toward Jeonil Mountain in Jangheung. The county therefore combined ordinary territorial administration with fortified harbours and an alarm network. Its indented shore and mountain heights belonged to the same defensive landscape, joining seaborne vigilance to the transmission of warnings inland.