Gangwhado Island Tour

Ganghwa Island is situated in the northwest of South Korea, connected to the West Sea. During the Joseon Dynasty, it served as a crucial defence point, housing King Hyunjong's naval command post. Explore the rich history and natural beauty in this captivating journey.

You will explore a fascinating island that is often called a microcosm of Korean history at Ganghwado. But, Ganghwado has historically been one of the first targets of many foreign attacks particularly in the late 19th century due to its strategic location when Korea unsuccessfully sought to maintain its status as a ""Hermit Kingdom."" Visit Ganghwa History Museum displaying historical records of the entire spectrum of Korean existence, from the mythical foundation of Korea to the opening port to the outside World marked by Ganghwado Treaty signed in February 1876. Near museum is Korea′s first Anglican Church, which is a notably unusual church with Western, Korean, Christian, Buddhist and Confucian influences, and Goryeo Palace site where several Goryeo kings resided (1232-1270) during their tenacious 39-year resistance against Mongol invaders. You will see Ganghwa Dolmen which is one of the most famous dolmens in Korea. A 50-ton capstone, 5.5 meters wide 7.1 meters long, and 1 meter thick, rests on two sturdy supporting prop stones. This prehistoric dolmen including many others in Hwasun and Gochang has been registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage for their archaeological value. Next, stop off at selling diversity of ginseng products from raw roots to extract in Ginseng market. This mysterious root has historically been considered an aphrodisiac and an empowering medicine in Korea. It is effective in recovering the liver′s functions, immunity functions and improving anticancer, and treating diabetes, low blood pressure, hypertension, and stress. Ginseng also facilitates recovery from the activation and fatigue of nervous cells. Apart from the ginseng, you will see a typical example of the local market where many elderly women selling homegrown vegetables, fishes, and grains on the roadsides nearby. Jeondeungsa dating back to the 3rd century is an active Buddhist temple providing a glimpse into the Buddhist culture. During the late Goryeo period (918-1392) the temple came into prominence when King Gojong commissioned the famous TripitakaKoreana wood blocks to be carved there which are now preserved in Haeinsa temple. You will see Sakyamuni Buddha who is flanked on the left by Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Perfect Wisdom within the main worship, and the Bodhisattva of Perfect Compassionate Action on the right by Samantabhadra. Look carefully way up in the eaves at the corners of the roof, and there you can just see tiny human figures as you approach the hall, one at each corner. The forsaken carpenter carved his two-timing girl up in the rafters, eternally bearing the burden of her deceitfulness according to one version. It is also worth noting a dharma bell dating back to 1097. It is the only Chinese bell designated as a Korean treasure. Lastly, explore one of the fortresses, Chojijin, that speaks to the battles against the French Navy led by Admiral Pierre-Gustave Roze in October 1866, the American Asia fleet under the commander Roger in 1871, and the collision with the Japanese ship Unyomaru in 1875. Tour Highlights - Jeondeungsa - Goryo Palace Site - Ganghwa History Museum - Ganghwa Fortress - Ganghwa Dolmen

Ganghwa Peace Observatory was restricted area but opened September 9th, 2008 in the Civilian Control Line in northern forest land of Cheolsan-ri, Yangsa-myeon. Feel unique northern culture very close at this place. There are experienced Ganghwa national defense and provocation on North Korea and high performance telescope, comparison national defense power between North and South Korea, unification policy of endless war and the way to gather as the same Korean race, the backgrounds and times of the Korean War, and on the exhibition room of second floor there is visual facilities to watch damage conditions of the tragedy. You can look around the view of North Korea at the observatory on the third floor. Observatory shows Gaeseong industrial Complex Tower, lifestyle of North Korean, Songaksan, created a town for disguise, and various obstacles and also provides screening for bad weathers. Jeondeungsa is the most well-known temple in Ganghwa. This temple is not only for praying Buddhist monks or the tourist spot. This is the site of history with the Korean race’s pain and glory from Dangun the legendary founding father of Gojoseon to today. Since the Stone Age, Ganghwa have many places with many histories at once as the flourished region. Dangun’s three sons build Samrangseong(three-star castle) where the temple is placed. Temple is in a castle which is very uncommon case, thus it has no Four Devas(the four heavenly guardians of Buddhism) and iljumun(one pillar gate) to show where the entrance is. Enjoy historical background of the love story between King Chungryul and princess from Yuan after climb up to the Jeondeungsa. General Eo was dead in the invasion of U.S at Gwangseongbo warships in 1871 lead other historical camps in scale and military bases. You can see delightful Yongdudondae(the natural military base) following down a walkway. There are also photos of Gwangseongbo battles when it was used in invasion of U.S. in 1871 and France in 1866. Heungseondaewongun(regent, the father of Emperor Kojong) not to in amity with the West and make the Anti-foreign Stele because of this historical accident. Share the information will make the experience fresher and easier to remember while checking out historical backgrounds of site with your children. Fourth biggest size of island in Korea is Ganghwado and easy to approach from capital area where have histories of Korea and lively plentiful. First place to visit before touring Ganghwa to look around is the Ganghwa History Museum and its past days at once. Perfect for exploring cultural heritage is Ganghwa. Cradle of Korean history including from the Stone Age to Goryeo, Joseon Dynasty is the whole island. Dolmen in Ganghwa was designated a world heritage site from UNESCO with Joenbuk, Hwasun, Jeonnam & Gochang, Also Goryeo army resisted Mongolian army at the Ganghwa filed, and fought to win the western powers and Manchu War at the end of the Joseon Dynasty. At the Ganghwa Dolmen Park, Ganghwa History Museum is placed which is essential place to visit to learn the history of Korea and also Ganghwa.