Ganghwasanseong Fortress (강화산성)

15.8Km 2020-03-16

San 3, Gukhwa-ri, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-5464

Ganghwasanseong Fortress was originally earthen mountain walls, built during King Go Jong’s 19th year of reign (1232), after he moved to Ganghwado. It was built to repel attacks from the Mongols. The inner castle was destroyed when the capital was moved to another place, and at the beginning of the Joseon Era (1392-1910) the wall was again rebuilt with mud.

It went through much restoration until finally being rebuilt with stones. Ganghwasanseong Fortress originally had interior and exterior walls, but only the interior wall remains today. It has an approximate circumference of 1.2km. The exterior mud wall was approximately 9km in circumference with 8 gates. The huge exterior wall was built along the side of the east channel of Ganghwa, but no longer exists today. From 1977, the interior wall has been rebuilt many times over, but the east side of this wall has yet to be reconstructed.

There were four main gates in the wall. To the south, Anparu; to the east, Cheomhwaru; to the west, Manghanru; and to the north, Jinsongru. At the west gate, the historic Yeonmudang still remains. This area was where the soldiers used to train, and was also the place where the Korea-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity (or Treaty of Ganghwa Island) was signed in 1876.

With its aching history left behind and beautiful scenery, Ganghwasanseong Fortress serves as an ideal place for a brisk walk or refreshing drive.

Ganghwa Ginseng Center (강화 인삼센터)

15.9Km 2021-05-07

335, Ganghwa-daero, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-10-9314-3348

The cultivation of Ganghwa ginseng began during the era of King Gojong (A.D. 1232) of the Goryeo dynasty. In 1920, Ganghwado Island was designated a special district for ginseng cultivation. At the onset of the Korean War (1950-1953), the people of Gaeseong, the birthplace of ginseng cultivation, took refuge on Ganghwado Island and began to cultivate ginseng on a large scale, which was the beginning of the production of the famous 6-year-old root of ginseng.

Ganghwado Island has the optimal environment for ginseng cultivation with clay soil, sandy loam, and a cool climate condition influenced by coastal winds. The thick root of Ganghwa ginseng does not have any inside cavity or white interior. This is how Ganghwa became a leading producer of the 6-year-old root, which has a high rate of red ginseng extract, cheonji.

Ganghwa Ginseng Center handles quality ginseng guaranteed in its cultivation, processing, and distribution, owing to the utmost care exerted to provide safe and reliable products.

Ganghwa Jeondeungsa Temple (강화 전등사)

16.0Km 2024-11-01

37-41 Jeondeungsa-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-937-0125

Jeondeungsa Temple is located in Samnangseong Fortress, which is said to have been built in 381 by the three sons of Dangun, the founder of Korea. The temple was originally called Jinjongsa Temple, but changed to the current Jeondeungsa Temple during the Goryeo period.

Jeondeungsa Temple contains significant architectural works. Decorated with delicate carvings, the temple buildings are superlative examples of the architecture of the mid-Joseon dynasty. Visitors can see names of soldiers written on the walls and columns of Daeungjeon Hall. These soldiers fought against the French Navy and wrote their names in Jeondeungsa to pray to Buddha for good luck in war.

There are ten other structures of historical significance at the temple including Yaksajeon Hall, Beomjong Bell, and Yangheonsu Victory Monument. The compound is also home to many ancient trees.

Hwamunseok Cultural Center (강화화문석문화관)

16.1Km 2021-11-11

413, Jangjeongyango-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-7060

Ganghwa Hwamunseok, Korea's only rush-weaving handicraft, is a cultural legacy inherited from the Goryeo period, and is a product that is exclusively produced in Ganghwa-gun. To preserve and develop its historic rush-weaving handicrafts, Ganghwa-gun constructed Hwamunseok Cultural Center at Yango-ri in Songhae-myeon, the craft's place of origin. Visitors to the cultural center will be able to view the individual features and transformations of Hwamunseok in addition to the past, present and future of rush-weaving handicrafts.

Geumpung Brewery (금풍양조장)

16.3Km 2024-12-16

8 Samnangseong-gil, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-70-4400-1931

Operated by the same family for three generations, Geumpung Brewery preserves the history of traditional Korean wine-making on Ganghwado Island. Its makgeolli (unrefined rice wine), with a 100-year tradition, is made from top-quality eco-friendly rice grown on the island. The brewery is committed to making science-based premium rice wine. In 2021, the brewery was the first on the island to obtain a license for brewing local specialty wine (unrefined and refined rice wine) with the goal of promoting makgeolli globally, while using local ingredients. Notably, the brewery's packaging, made by upcycling rice sacks, has grabbed much attention.

Dongmak Beach (강화 동막해변)

16.6Km 2024-11-08

1481 Haeannam-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-937-4445

Dongmak Beach is a pristine attraction with white sands surrounded by a forest of pine trees. During high tide, visitors can enjoy sun bathing, while during low tide, a large mud flat opens up for visitors to observe various sea life such as clams, crabs and more. There are many attractions nearby to see and enjoy.

Wondumak Garden (원두막가든)

16.6Km 2024-02-27

60 Jeondeungsa-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

Wondumak Garden is a local cuisine restaurant in Ganghwa that has been delighting visitors since its establishment in 1990. Among its signature dishes are jeotguk galbi (salted shrimp and galbi soup) and sotbap (pot rice). Jeotguk galbi resembles a hot pot, incorporating pork galbi, pork bones, vegetables, and a salted shrimp-based broth. It is renowned for its non-spicy and clean-tasting broth, offering a distinctive and flavorful dining experience.

Ganghwado Jejeokbong Peace Observatory (강화도제적봉 평화전망대 )

17.4Km 2021-10-23

797, Jeonmangdae-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-7062

Ganghwado Jejeokbong Peace Observatory was constructed in the northern area of the Civilian Restricted Zone in Cheolsan-ri, Yangsa-myeon. Entry to this area was strictly prohibited to the general public until 2008. The observatory allows visitors to take a closer look at the natural beauty the lies beyond the northern border. The observatory consists of four floors. The basement and fourth floor are used by the military; the first floor sells regional produce from Ganghwado Island and specialty products from North Korea, and the second and third floors make up the audio-visual rooms with materials related to North Korea and an observatory where one can observe the Northern territory from afar.

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

17.7Km 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)

17.7Km 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.

Ganghwasanseong Fortress (강화산성) - Area information - Korea travel information