This study was conducted to review the occupation pattern of the fortresses of the eastern Jeonnam region, in terms of the site formation process, and therefore to promote an archaeological understanding of the management aspects of the chisoseong(治所城) after the unification of the Three Kingdoms, as well as of the strategies and processes used by powerful families to secure footholds. The results of the study indicate that the temporary abandonment of Silla fortresses in the eight century cannot be observed in the archaeological record. As such, it
is proposed that the fortresses had continued to be operated for administrative purposes, namely as chisoseong, rather than for military purposes. It is believed that their function as chisoseong served as an important incentive for powerful local families to secure these fortresses as footholds.