Ganghwa Island is Korea’s fifth-largest island and one of the numerous islands in Incheon, northwest Korea. The island is a popular getaway for Koreans looking to escape Seoul’s bustling and go somewhere quieter. It’s also an excellent place for visitors who want to see what Korea has outside of Seoul.
The island of Ganghwado is home to some remarkable prehistoric ruins, making it unique. You can explore many dolmens (part of the UNESCO World Heritage), several fortresses that served as Korea’s defenses against foreign invasions, beautiful temples, and a lovely Anglican church, among other things.
On Ganghwado, you may try various local dishes, including Ganghwa ginseng and turnip. Many farms offer fresh fruits and vegetables and many seafood dishes.
In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know about your trip to Ganghwado. Take pleasure in the read and have a wonderful visit to this beautiful island!
What To See on Gangwha Island?
Visit Jeondeungsa Temple
It is one of Korea’s most ancient temples established in the fourth century. It was previously known as the Jinjongsa Temple during the Goryeo dynasty, but it was renamed Jeondeugsa in 1282. The temple is known to have been founded by the monk Adohwasang during the Goguryeo dynasty. Following a jade lamp donation by Queen Jeonhwa during King Chungnyeol’s reign (reign: 1274-1308), the temple was renamed under its current name.
At the center of Korea, on Mt. Jeongjoksan, the temple lies in the middle of a beautiful forest. You may also discover a magnificent perspective from the top of the hill. Jeondeungsa is a scenic temple with sunrise views, popular all over Korea. With its main building, Daeungbojeon Hall, covered in sculptures, the site is renowned for its spectacular architecture.
The Buddha statue outside the temple, covered in a magnificent glass roof, is breathtaking. On the hall columns, soldiers who battled against the French navy inscribed their names in prayer to Buddha.
After seeing Jeondeungsa, take a break and enjoy a coffee or tea with a little Korean snack at the teahouse, situated amid the temple in a beautiful atmosphere.
Visit Haeden Museum of Art
The Haeden Museum of Art is a small, private museum that displays the works of modern and contemporary artists. It’s located in Incheon, on Ganghwado Island, and it opened to the public in 2006. The museum has two exhibition halls and a garden.
The museum owns around 400 pieces by famous Korean and international artists. The museum also organizes a variety of talks and workshops and educational programs for children and students.
Visit Ganghwa Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden
The Ganghwa Natural History Museum is a beautiful place to go if you want to learn about the island’s unique ecology and history, among other things. It’s a small museum, but it offers a lot.
The museum’s botanical garden is the most notable feature, which includes about 300 different plants and trees native to Ganghwado Island. There are also some interesting exhibitions inside the building itself, including how prehistoric people lived on this island.
This is a museum you should visit if you’re a fan of the natural history of Ganghwado.
Have Fun at Ganghwa Seaside Resort
The Ganghwa Seaside Resort, located on the South Korean island of Jeju, has an observation deck, luge, cable car, cafe, restaurant, and convenience store. If you’ve had enough of sightseeing, there are several places to eat and relax in this area.
The Whistler Luge is a 10-minute drive by cable car from the village of Blackcomb. The luge here is 1.8 kilometers long and is Asia’s longest track for lugging.
You may enjoy a panorama of remote mountain peaks, the sea, and ski resorts from the cable car’s interior. Spend 10 minutes appreciating nature slowly before moving on to the fast luge.
Check Out Ganghwa Anglican Church
The first hanok-style cathedral in Korea, Ganghwa Anglican Church, is also the country’s first and only church designed in a Korean Agricultural Village. It is especially significant in Korean religious history.
A church with a basilica interior and hanok exterior is the same style as traditional Buddhist temples in Korea.
Visit Goryeo Palace Site
During King Gojong of the Goryeo Dynasty, who reigned in the 19th century, the capital was transferred to Ganghwa Island to defend against Mongolian aggression.
Later, after the 11th year of King Wonjong’s reign, the two nations decided to restore the capital to Kaesong, and Ganghwado and the palace were abandoned.
During the Joseon Dynasty, the Goryeo Palace Site was likewise utilized. What we see today is all that remains of it, after the restoration in 1977.
Where to Eat?
Dore Dore Cafe
Dore Dore is far more than simply a coffee shop. It’s a beautiful garden featuring camellias and three cafés, all of which are in a lovely setting surrounded by nature. Staying at Ganghwado without visiting Dore Dore would be incomplete.
When you enter the cafe park, stroll through its beautiful garden. If you look to your right, you’ll see the sea just beyond. Take your time to discover the different sections of the park. Then you can choose which coffee shops to buy your coffee from out of the three gorgeous settings. Then select a spot in the garden and enjoy your cup of coffee with a delectable dessert!
Joyang Bangjik
The unusual aspect about Joyang Bangjik is that you must see it to believe it. This former textile factory is now a fascinating cafe complex at Joyang Bangjik. Take the front steps, and you’ll be greeted by a cafe on your left where you may purchase a coffee or juice, then proceed into the main structure to select among the numerous choices. Sit on one of the benches in the middle or at one of the tables lining the walls. There is seating upstairs, around corners, and out on the balcony for more. There are singletons’ lairs with seats for four and cave-like structures with seats for four available.
Caffe Tramonto
Caffe Tramonto is the ideal location to unwind with a nice cup of coffee. The cafe features soft lights and gentle music in the background, creating a cozy and relaxing environment.
Caffe Tramonto is a fantastic option for people looking for a place to unwind with a nice cup of coffee on Ganghwa Island. The menu includes espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, latte, and American coffee, among other beverages. They also have pastries, sandwiches, and desserts on hand.
There is a lot to do on Ganghwa Island, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. From sightseeing to eating, spending a weekend relaxing on the island is well worth it.
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