Ganghwado Island (강화도)

17.6Km 2023-03-24

Ganghwa-daero, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-934-7500

Ganghwado Island, off the west coast, is the fifth largest island in Korea. The island was connected to the mainland in 1970 with the construction of the Ganghwagyo Bridge. Another larger bridge, Ganghwadaegyo Bridge, was built in 1997, making it easier than ever to travel to Ganghwado Island from Seoul and Incheon areas. The island is home to Chamseongdan Altar on top of Manisan Mountain on the southern coast. This is said to be where Dangun Wanggeom offered sacrificial rites to the heavens. Another important item of note on Ganghwado Island is the collection of stone dolmens, a UNESCO-recognized world heritage.

Ganghwado Island has many famous local products, including the medicinally effective Ganghwa ginseng and hwamunseok, a mat woven with flower patterns. Hwamunseok is famous also as a representative traditional Korean product for its intricate handwork and designs.

Yongheunggung Palace (용흥궁)

17.7Km 2022-07-27

16-1, Dongmunan-gil 21beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-3515

Yongheunggung Palace is where King Cheoljong (r. 1849-1863) used to live before his ascension to throne. The chief of Ganghwa County, Jeong Gi-se, enlarged the original residence and named it Yongheunggung (meaning palace of the rising dragon) in the 4th year of King Cheoljong’s reign. Its architectural features include a paljak (traditional Korean half-hipped roof) and supporting columns rendered in Jusimpo style, the column brackets placed only on top of the columns. The palace was built in the tradition of dwelling houses such as the Yeongyeongdang and Nakseonjae houses in Changdeokgung Palace, so the palace buildings give off a simple and plain atmosphere. Within the precincts of the palace are a memorial stone and a monument house indicating that the palace used to be the old home of King Cheoljong.

Cafe Rim (카페 림)

17.9Km 2024-11-12

45-1 Masiran-ro 170beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon

It is a café run by actor Jeong Gyu-woon. Although it is not far from downtown Seoul, it is built in the middle of nature where you can hear the sound of birds, providing a relaxing and healing experience to its visitors. The sun shining through the windows provides warmth. There are many photo spots such as cute interior props placed throughout the cafe. The representative menu is “Nutella Cream Latte.” You can meet new signature menus for each season, and you can also taste various bakery desserts including “Red Bean & Scone.”

Ganghwa Anglican Church (대한성공회 강화성당)

17.9Km 2020-04-18

10, Gwancheong-gil 27beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-4571

Ganghwa Anglican Church was consecrated in 1900 by Charies Jone Corfe, the First Bishop of the Church as the St. Peter and St.Paul’s Church. The church has since undergone several restorations, but the design remains true to the original.

The two-story 4x10 rectangular building is characterized by traditional Korean construction style on the outside while the interior is a Western Basilica style symbolizing the beauty of harmony and Korean tradition. It was first designated as Gyeonggi-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 154 and then became Incheon Tangible Cultural property when Ganghwa was included in Incheon Metropolitan City. In January 2001 it was designated as Historic Site No.424 of Korea.

Sky Garden (하늘정원)

18.0Km 2023-02-07

2848-6, Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon
+82-32-832-3031

Sky Garden, located next to Incheon International Airport, becomes covered with pink cosmos flowers every fall. Cosmos shimmering in the autumn sunlight creates a fantastic atmosphere by forming waves with gentle breeze. In addition to cosmos, silver grass and pink muhly are added to the 36,000 ㎡ gardens so that visitors can feel the season's mood. Recently, even orange cosmos have been planted so visitors can enjoy more vibrant colors. Above all, it is a flower garden that can be enjoyed for free, allowing anyone to visit anytime without any burden.

Another attraction of Sky Garden is the sight of planes taking off and landing at Incheon International Airport. The sight of plane flying across the sky over the bed of flowers create a magical scenery. In the evening, the sunset of Yeongjongdo Island creates a romantic atmosphere, making it a good date course.

Seonnyeobawi Beach (선녀바위해수욕장)

18.0Km 2024-12-26

60 Seonnyeobawi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Seonnyeobawi Beach is renowned for its stunning rock formations, especially the Seonnyeobawi Rock, attracting numerous visitors eager to witness the rock's striking silhouette against the sunset. Behind the Seonnyeobawi Rock, visitors can observe small, aged fishing boats and fishers at work on the quaint quay. In comparison to the more popular Eurwangni Beach nearby, Seonnyeobawi Beach usually experiences fewer crowds, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Café de Chelsea (카페 드 첼시)

18.0Km 2024-02-21

107-20 Gimpo-daero 2435beon-gil, Tongjin-eup, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do
0507-1368-7780

Café de Chelsea is a brunch and bakery café inspired by the Chelsea Physic Garden, a secret garden in England. Its impressive indoor space and outdoor garden are captivating, featuring vibrant seasonal interior designs that change regularly, making it a popular spot for photography. They offer a range of beverages including espresso, milk tea latte, Chelsea spänner (Chelsea einspänner), and various bakery items. The tea room on the first floor offers specialty teas and a tea vin chaud.

Goryeogung Palace Site (고려궁지)

18.0Km 2021-06-01

394, Ganghwa-daero, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-7078

Goryeogung Palace Site on Ganghwado Island is the site of the royal palace where the people of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) resisted the Mongolian invasion for 39 years. In the 19th year of his reign, King Gojong moved the capital to Ganghwa on account of its natural and strategic advantages. During the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea) in 1637, the palace was lost by force to the Qing dynasty of China. Later, Joseon Dynasty palace building and Ganghwa Yusubu (Ganghwa governor’s office) buildings existed in the Goryeo palace site but were destroyed by the French army during the Byeonginyangyo (French Campaign against Korea). Nowadays, the only structures that remain are the Dongheon main office (built in 1638) and Ibangcheong administration office (built in 1654). The palace and its subsidiary buildings were restored in 1977. It has historical lessons of the spirit of independence and overcoming national crisis.

Seonnyeo Rock (선녀바위)

18.0Km 2021-06-02

21, Yongyu-ro 380beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
+82-32-760-6478

Seonnyeo Rock is located near the Seoul metropolitan area, in the northern part of Yongyudo Island, past Masian Beach. The rock is named after the myth that a fairy came down on a rainbow to play on the beach. Artists come to recreate the scenery of the sharp rock against the ocean on their canvas as they listen to the waves crash. The beach is also popular among tourists at sunset, when the fading sun colors the sea around the rock.
On the other side is a small dock and old fishing boats. This beach is less crowded than Wangsan Beach or those in Eurwang-ri, making it the perfect spot for swimming and camping.
There is a pretty cafe up the hill from the rock and it is a great place for enjoying the ocean scenery with a cup of tea. On the other side of the cafe is a garden with pine trees, yet another beautiful spot to watch the sunset.

Ganghwahyanggyo Confucian School (강화향교)

18.1Km 2020-06-29

58, Hyanggyo-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-4571

First established in Ganghwa-eup during the 5th year of King Injong in the Goryeo dynasty (1127), Ganghwahyanggyo Confucian School was moved to Ganghwa-gun and then restored at the foot of Buksan Mountain (formally Songaksan Mountain) in 1624 by Sim Yeol during the 2nd year of King Injo.

Ganghwahyanggyo Confucian School is regarded as an important cultural and historical site in Ganghwa-eup.

Ganghwado Island (강화도) - Area information - Korea travel information