Ganghwa : The Island Getaway From Seoul Private Tour

Ganghwa Peace Observatory, which is located the northernmost point of Ganghwa district, was opened in Sep, 2008 to see and understand North Korea. The observatory was established to promote mutual understanding between the two Koreas and built unified Korea which will be peaceful and prosperous. It is composed of a 4-story building and 1-basement. There are an outdoor observatory, an Observation room, a room to wish for unification, and an exhibition hall etc. Observation room: It is briefing room. You can see a model for North Korea topography and understand their life. Outdoor observatory: There are high-quality telescopes with which you can see North Korean land and life.

‘Dolmens’ are stone graves/tombs which date back to the pre-historic era. Dolmens are largely concentrated in Northeast Asia with Korea alone being home to a total of around 30,000 dolmens.

The Ganghwa Dolmen Heritage Site, in Bugeun-ri, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, encompasses roughly 120 dolmens, most of which are Northern-style dolmen that are made of large pieces of stone 7.1m in length and 2.6m in height. The dolmens in this region are found in unusual altitudes of 100-200m above sea level and reveal important information about the prehistoric period.

The Ganghwa Dolmen site was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage in Nov. 29th, 2000 along with Gochang Dolmen and Hwasun Dolmen sites. You may enjoy the best view of this historic site around sunset.

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.

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.

Jeondeungsa Temple was originally called Jinjongsa during the Goryeo dynasty. It was used as a sanctuary that enshrined family ancestors. Jeondeungsa Temple is located in Samrangseong Fortress, which is said to have been built by the three sons of Dangun, the founder of Korea.

Jeondeungsa Temple contains significant architectural works, including the main building Daeungbojeon Hall. Decorated with delicate carvings, it is a superlative example of the architecture of the mid-Joseon dynasty. The canopy situated above the Buddha statue inside Daeungbojeon Hall showcases masterful workmanship. On the walls and columns of Daeungbojeon Hall, visitors can see names of soldiers written on the walls. 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 (Treasure No. 179), Beomjong Bell (Treasure No. 393, constructed in the 11th century), and Yangheonsu Victory Monument (Tangible Cultural Treasure No. 26). The compound is also home to many ancient trees.