The Joseon Dynasty was an absolute monarchy that ruled Korea from 1392 until 1897. Beneath the king was a highly-organized government. The territory was divided into eight provinces. Each of them was managed by a governor (gwanchalsa). During this period, the island was called Jejumok and was part of Jeolla Province comprising much of southwest Korea. This historic site in Jeju City was the seat of the local government. Jejumok-Gwana (Gwana means village) is a complex of administrative and military buildings reconstructed in 2002. The originals were destroyed during the Japanese Colonial Period (1910 – 1945). In the foreground is the Middle Gate. Down the long promenade is Manggyeongru, a structure designed for military officers.
