Ganghwa Seonwonsa Temple Site (강화 선원사지) - Area information - Korea travel information

Ganghwa Seonwonsa Temple Site (강화 선원사지)

Ganghwa Seonwonsa Temple Site (강화 선원사지)

9.7 Km    12516     2022-09-19

222, Seonwonsaji-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-933-8234

Ganghwa Seonwonsa Temple Site was first discovered in 1976 during a surface examination around Ganghwado Island undertaken by the Ganghwado Island Academic Research Team of Dongguk University. The site was designated as Historic Site No. 259 in 1977. Seonwonsa Temple was built by General Choi Wu in 1245 (the 32nd year of King Gojong’s reign during the Goryeo dynasty), which was right after the transfer of the capital to Ganghwado during resistance against the Mongolian invasion.

The temple was meant to be a spiritual mainstay in fighting against Mongolia. It used to be one of the two largest temples in Korea along with Songgwangsa Temple. However, the temple was completely destroyed during the early Joseon era, leaving only the site itself. The famous wood blocks of Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana), currently housed in Haeinsa Temple at Hapcheon, are said to have been originally stored in Seonwonsa Temple. It is believed that the carved wood blocks were taken from Seonwonsa to Heungcheonsa Temple during the Joseon era and again moved to Haeinsa Temple during the reign of Sejo.

Located on a mountain slope, the presumed location of the building site extends 250 meters from south to north and 170 meters from east to west.

Gimpo Munsusanseong Fortress (김포 문수산성)

10.4 Km    8216     2022-12-20

Ponae-ri, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-980-2485

Munsusanseong Fortress was built on Munsusan Mountain in 1694, during the 20th year of the reign of King Sukjong, the 19th king of the Joseon dynasty. The fortress as designed to defend Gwanghwado Island from marine invasion. At the time, the fortress had north, west, and south gates, but they were destroyed in a fire during the Byeong-in Yangyo (1866). The north gate was restoryed in 1995 and the south gate in 2002. The fortress walls span 6 kilometers in length, 4 kilometers of which remain unrestored. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the top of the fortress commands a spectacular view spanning from North Korea to the Hangang River inlet, and from Samgaksan Mountain to the sea off Incheon in the distance. It is often referred to as the Geumgangsan Mountain of Gimpo as it boasts superb scenery throughout all four seasons. The mountain is home to Munsusa Temple, established during the reign of Silla King Jinseong.

Seongmodo Shrubby Sea-blite Habitat (석모도 칠면초 군락지)

10.6 Km    0     2024-02-20

29-3 Maeeum-ri, Samsan-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

Seongmodo Shrubby Sea-blite Habitat is a habitat where a colony of shrubby sea-blite flourishes on tidal flats. Situated on the route to Minmeoru Beach, accessible via the Seongmodaegyo Bridge, this area is known for the robust growth of seepweed, which forms colonies in tidal flats or areas with high salinity. From September to mid-October, the landscape transforms with vibrant reddish-pink flowers, often referred to as the "fall foliage of the sea."

Café de Chelsea (카페 드 첼시)

Café de Chelsea (카페 드 첼시)

10.7 Km    0     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.

Sugi Beach (수기해변)

10.7 Km    14236     2022-07-28

291-48, Sido-ro 86beon-gil, Ongjin-gun, Incheon
+82-32-899-2253

Located on Sido Island in Incheon, Sugi Beach is easily accessible from Seoul. Sido Island is situated between Yeongjongdo Island and Ganghwado Island. The beach is not as crowded as other famous beaches, and is ideal for families or campers.

Sugi Beach was the filming location for the famous drama series "Full House (2004)." Sido Island connects Sindo Island and Modo Island, making it easy to tour the three islands by foot or car.

Line Hotel [Korea Quality] / 라인호텔 [한국관광 품질인증]

Line Hotel [Korea Quality] / 라인호텔 [한국관광 품질인증]

11.5 Km    6750     2020-12-10

2337, Gimpo-daero, Tongjin-eup, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-10-9241-3186

Line Hotel is located about 700m away from the town of Tongjin-eup in Gimpo City. The hotel is a snug 4-story building with an exclusive parking lot and neat facilities. The rooms are composed of Standard Twin Room with 2 single beds; Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed; Deluxe Twin Room with 1 double bed and 1 single room; and Standard Double Room with 1 double bed. Every room is equipped with WiFi, flat screen TV, air conditioner and heater, refrigerator and bathroom. The front desk operates 24 hours and luggage room, laundry, fax, copy services are available. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars in the nearby Tongjin-eup. Gimpo Sculpture Park is 10 minutes away by car and Deokpojin Fortress, Gimpo Marine Park and Daemyung Port are 20 minutes away as good places for a drive and walk on the beach. You can buy fresh seafood at cheap prices in the fishery market of Daemyung Port. You can also visit Ganghwado Island. It takes about 15 minutes by car from Line Hotel to Ganghwa Bridge.

Oepo-ri Kkotgejip (외포리꽃게집)

11.6 Km    21949     2024-03-20

1206 Jungang-ro, Naega-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

Oepo-ri Kkotgejip is a restaurant dedicated to traditional blue crab delicacies, including kkotge tang (spicy blue crab stew), kkotge jjim (steamed blue crab), and ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab). Positioned near Oepo-ri Quay, en route to Seongmodo Island, the restaurant provides a delectable experience of blue crab dishes complemented by a stunning sea view. Visitors can also take pleasure in the scenic Korean coastal landscape, explore the salted seafood market, and observe the fishing boats in the vicinity.

[Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Course 2] Homeland Fortification Trail ([강화 나들길 제2코스] 호국돈대길)

[Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Course 2] Homeland Fortification Trail ([강화 나들길 제2코스] 호국돈대길)

11.7 Km    23046     2021-08-11

24, Cheonghadong-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-934-1906

The Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trails are a collection of walking paths along the coast of Ganghwa Island that connect the watchtowers and and walls of Ganghwasanseong Fortress, as well as royal tombs and other historically significant sites from the Goryeo dynasty that dot the island.

[Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Course 2] Homeland Fortification Trail
Course 2 stretches over a 17 kilometer area between Gapgotdon Watchtower and Chojijin Fort. This trail showcases the history of the island and the changes that happened before and after the opening of the port. The course follows a coastal road that is particularly beautiful in spring and fall.

Gapgotdon Watchtower (갑곶돈대)

Gapgotdon Watchtower (갑곶돈대)

11.7 Km    20624     2021-01-18

18, Haeandong-ro 1366beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-7077

Gapgotdon Watchtower was built to protect the Ganghwa Straits from invasion when the Goryeo Kingdom moved their capital to Ganghwado Island. The fortified area served as a highly strategic location for the Goryeo Kingdom, and had endured multiple invasions by the Mongolian troops between 1232 and 1270.

The watchtower was fortified in the Joseon dynasty by King Sukjong in 1679 and had once fallen during the French campaign against Korea in 1866. In 1977, the site was restored to its original form. The cannons exhibited at the current site were made during the Joseon dynasty to attack outside invaders from sea.

Gimpo International Sculpture Park (김포국제조각공원)

11.8 Km    19934     2022-12-20

38, Yonggang-ro 13beon-gil, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-984-5167

Gimpo Sculpture Park is situated in a large forest and is decorated with 30 sculptures: 14 by international artists and 16 by Korean artists. Since the site is located near the DMZ, the only divided country in the world, each sculpture expresses the overarching theme of unification. A favorite spot for weekend picnicking families and couples on dates, the park is expected to be included in a large tourist complex in the near future along with nearby Reports Park and the youth training center.