Ganghwado Island (강화도)

12.8Km 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.

Olive Young - Gimpo Gurae Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 김포구래)

12.9Km 2024-04-18

21, Gimpohangang 9-ro 76beon-gil, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Yongheunggung Palace (용흥궁)

12.9Km 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.

E-Mart - Gimpo Hangang Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이마트 김포한강)

13.0Km 2024-04-22

71, Gimpohangang 7-ro, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Goryeogung Palace Site (고려궁지)

13.2Km 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.

Jeokseoksa Temple (적석사)

13.3Km 2021-08-02

181, Yeonchon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-932-6191

Jeokseoksa Temple is a traditional Buddhist temple that was founded around 1,600 years ago. It is known for "Gamnojeong," which is the water trickling out from the rock crevices on the east side of Daeungjeon Hall (main temple building). While the water is cool and sweet, legend has it that it dries up or turns murky in times of national crisis. According to the records, Palman Daejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana printing woodblocks) used to be kept in Jeokseoksa before they were moved to Baengnyeongsa Temple, then to Jeondeungsa Temple, and finally to Haeinsa Temple.

Jeokseoksa Temple is connected to Nakjodae Observatory, which offers a magnificent view of the sun setting over the West Sea. In fact, the view is so magnificent that it is admired as one of the 10 best sceneries of Ganghwado Island.

Tongilho (통일호)

13.5Km 2024-03-20

7-6 Eoryujeong-gil 212beon-gil, Samsan-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-934-8001

Tongilho is a picturesque hwareo hoe (sliced raw fish) restaurant situated on a hill with sweeping views of Minmeoru Beach in Seongmodo Island. The restaurant sources the freshest catch of the day directly from Janggot Harbor. Popular selections include sliced flatfish, rockfish, and sea bass, while the hearty saeng ureok tang (rockfish soup) stands out as a delightful option. The homemade Ganghwa sunmu kimchi (Ganghwa turnip kimchi) served as a side dish adds a special touch to the dining experience.

Minmeoru Beach (민머루해변)

13.5Km 2023-01-13

Eoryujeong-gil 212beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-3515

Minmeoru Beach is a beach on Seongmodo Island, a small island to the west of Ganghwado Island. Visitors can enjoy sea bathing on the vast stretch of sandy beach and watch beautiful sunsets over the West Sea. When the tide goes out, a mud flat of approximately one kilometer in length appears. The mud flat is very smooth and is home to marine life including clams, crabs, and more. It is recommended for visitors to wear rubber boots or shoes when walking on the mud flat to prevent injuring their feet. The Eoryujeonghang Harbor and Janggothang Harbor are located nearby, so visitors can also enjoy sea fishing. Popular tourist attractions in the vicinity include Maaekseokbul (a Buddha image carved on a cliff) and Bomunsa Temple, which is said to have been constructed by Queen Seondeok during the Silla period.

Gyeongin Ara Waterway (경인 아라뱃길)

13.7Km 2023-11-10

41 Jeongseojin 1-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon
+82-1899-3650

Ara Waterway flows 18 kilometers from the Hangang River to the West Sea. Opened in 2012, the waterway serves to quickly remove excess water from the surrounding areas to prevent flooding. The waterway also serves as a key route for transporting cargo via ship, as well as a natural green space.

The idea of Ara Waterway started nearly 800 years ago during the Joseon dynasty by King Gojong. Unfortunately, his plan could not be completed at that time due to technical obstacles and the difficult state of the country. After countless efforts and preparation, the construction of the waterway began in 2009 and opened in 2012.

Ohooen (오후엔)

14.0Km 2024-12-13

76-28 , Jangbong-ro 26beon-gil, Ongjin-gun, Incheon
+82-32-882-1100

Ohooen is located on Jangbongdo Island, one of the islands closest to the west coast metropolitan area. Ganghwa Island and Seokmodo Island, two of the world's top five mudflats, lie adjacent to one another, so you can participate in mudflat activities such as fishing and digging up clams. The sunset view from May to July is particularly stunning, and you can enjoy it on the room terrace. Furthermore, the spacious yard features a swimming pool with an ocean view and a barbecue, making it ideal for a relaxing getaway.

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