Gapgotdon Watchtower (갑곶돈대)

12.7Km 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.

Golden Grass (옛날에금잔디)

12.8Km 2024-12-23

18-1 , Ganghwaseo-ro 225beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-10-6216-5598

Geumjandi on Ganghwado Island, Gyeonggi-do, is an 80-year-old traditional hanok with red clay walls, timber rafters and beams and a wooden porch. The yard includes a garden with flowers and pine trees, there is a fireplace and cauldron, and a well which adds to the charm. Both the anchae and the sarangchae have guestrooms, and the hanok is an ideal place for outdoor weddings or first birthday parties: a marquee, sound equipment and barbecue facilities are available to hire. Pets are welcome.

Ganghwa Seonwonsa Temple Site (강화 선원사지)

13.0Km 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.

Hwagae Garden (화개정원)

13.5Km 2024-02-20

6-60 Gyodongdong-ro 471beon-gil, Gyodong-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

Hwagae Garden is a park situated on the foothills of Hwagaesan Mountain in Gyodong-myeon. Exploring the trails, visitors can immerse themselves in the ever-changing beauty of Hwagaesan Mountain across the seasons. Opting for the monorail to reach the observatory rewards with a panoramic view extending to Ganghwado Island. The park is equipped with various amenities, including walking paths, a lawn, a children's playground, along with restaurants and cafés.

Oepo-ri Kkotgejip (외포리꽃게집)

14.0Km 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 Gyodongdo Island (교동도(강화))

14.4Km 2025-06-30

35 Gyodongnam-ro, Gyodong-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-934-1000

Gyodongdo Island is located northwest of the larger Ganghwado Island, and was made more accessible with the opening of Gyodongdaegyo Bridge in July 2014. The name changed with different dynasties, being Gomokgeunhyeon during the Goguryeo Era and Gyodonghyeon under the reign of Silla King Gyeongdeok. The island served as an important stopover point for ambassadors and envoys heading to China. Popular attractions on the island now include Daeryong Market, an alleyway market decorated with colorful murals and statues, and Manghyangdae Memorial, a gathering place for refugees who fled from the nearby Hwanghaedo Island during the Korean War. Many of the houses on Gyodongdo Island have swallow nests under the eaves. The refugees consider the swallows as guests from their hometowns. As such, the island is home to the "peace & reunion" themed Gyodong Swallow House, Peace Trail, and Gyodong Studio. Gyodong Swallow House serves as an exhibition and performance space. The Peace Trail is a biking path around the island. At Gyodong Studio, visitors can put on old school uniforms and take black-and-white photographs.

Gyodongdo Daeryong Market (교동도 대룡시장)

14.4Km 2025-06-18

35 Gyodongnam-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-934-1000

Daeryong Market is an alley market that reproduces the appearance of Yeonbaek Market to maintain a livelihood for residents who temporarily evacuated from Yeonbaek-gun in Hwanghae-do, to Gyodongdo Island during the Korean War. Gyodongdo Island has been the center of economic development for over 50 years. As most of the displaced elderly who created the market passed away and the population rapidly decreased, the market size also reduced considerably. However, with the opening of Gyodongdaegyo Bridge in July 2014, it has become a must-see course for tourists to take pictures of Daeryong Market, which looks like a movie set in the 1960s. Gyodong Giga Island, also referred to as Gyodong Swallow House, opened in late march of 2022 and provides tour information using intellectual techonology as well as bicycle and smartwatch rental services to tourists. In addition, there are various experience programs such as a VR video experience and "Making Gyodong Newspaper."

Yackseokwon (약석원)

14.8Km 2025-10-23

56-53, Jungang-ro 787beon-gil, Yangdo-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

Ganghwa Sajabalssuk, a type of mugwort native to Ganghwado Island, is known for its rich aroma and high vitamin A content. Yackseokwon offers immunity-strengthening programs using this special herb believed to help prevent chronic illnesses. “Raise Your Body Temperature by 1°C Project” is a signature course, which involves yoni steaming (mugwort steam sitting bath) and thermal moxibustion to gradually warm the body. Just an increase of 1 degree in body temperature is said to boost immune function, increase basal metabolism, and improve blood circulation. The program is offered by reservation only and accommodates up to 25 people per session. The 100-minute experience begins with 40 minutes of yoni steaming, followed by 30 minutes of abdominal heat therapy and 30 minutes of lower back heat therapy. Participants are also served a rich herbal tea brewed with Ganghwa Sajabalssuk.

Gimpo Munsusanseong Fortress (김포 문수산성)

14.9Km 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 Island (석모도)

15.9Km 2021-05-28

9, Samsanbuk-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-934-7500

Seongmodo Island, located 1.2 kilometers west of Ganghwado Island, is a popular destination for families and those looking for relaxation. The island has various mountains as well as a 41.8 kilometer coastal road.

Gapgotdon Watchtower (갑곶돈대) - Area information - Korea travel information