About Ganghwa

- Ganghwa Guide

http://tour.ganghwa.incheon.kr/

GANGHWA GUIDE

About Ganghwa Ganghwa Island, the fifth largest island in South Korea, sits in the estuary of the Han River on the west coast of South Korea, separated from Gimpo on the mainland by a narrow channel spanned by several bridges. The main channel of the Han River separates the island from Gaeseong in North Korea. About 65,500 people live on the island. With an area of 302.4 km², the island makes up most of Ganghwa-gun, a division of Incheon Municipality. The name of Ganghwagun (county) has undergone changes over times. It was called firstly Gapbigocha during ancient time, secondly Hyeolgu-gun in Goguryeo's Great King Gwanggaeto period, thirdly Haegu-gun in the reign of King Gyeongdeok in Silla kingdom, fourthly Ganghwa hyeon in the King Taejo of Goryeo dynasty, and fifthly it was changed to Ganghwa-gun in the King Gojong's reign of Joseon dynasty. As a sacred ground of the foundation of the country, it is the home of ideology of "Hongik Ingan" (Devotion for public welfare) of Dangun, the founding father of the first Korean kingdom. Legend states that Dangun, the mythological founder of Korea, made an altar on top of beautiful Mount Mani-san, Gangwha's highest point at 469 meters above sea level, and offered sacrifices to his ancestors. Ganghwado has preserved many cultural relics as scattered around the island and developed the island for the multipurpose of historical education and beautification of environmental surroundings for sight-seeing visitors. Furthermore, Ganghwa has many famous local products, including the medicinally effective Ganghwa Ginseng, Pure-Ganghwa radish with its peculiar taste, and Hwamunseok, which is a mat woven with flower patterns.

Ganghwa in the History

Ganghwa Island (江華島) - known as the first line of defense for the capital city of Seoul and the royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, played a key role in the opening of Korea to the world. When Japan, Russia, France, and the United States knocked at the Hermit Kingdom's front door, the cannons of the fortress at Ganghwa Island greeted them. The royal court's hope was that intruders would see Korea as an unattractive catch, not worth the trouble of an armed conflict. Relics and remains of prehistoric age, old stone age and new stone age were found of their various vestiges in Jangjeongni, Sagiri, Dongmagni and others respectively in the symbolic huge stone relics of bronze age, more than 80 dolmens were discovered in the vicinity of Bugeunni and neighbouring area, of which giant tombs revealed the existence of inhabitant there.

Strategically positioned at the mouth of the Han River, Ganghwa Island has often played a key role in historical events. In the ninth century, Unified Silla established a garrison on the island to combat piracy. The commander Wang Geon established his military reputation at the garrison, later going on to found the kingdom of Goryeo. During the national conflict against Mongolian's invasion, the capital was transferred to Ganghwado from Gaeseong for the period of 1232 and 1270. With such vestiges of Goryeo palace site and fortresses etc..

Ganghwado was deemed a most appropriate refuge to keep themselves safely from the invasion of Mongolian forces. Especially, world widely recognized treasure; Palman daejanggyeong, 80,000 sheets of Buddah's scriptures (other name Jaejo daejanggyeong) are said to have been engraved during the invasion of 1236 through 1251. The importance of Ganghwado as a refuge shelter had been successively chosen during Joseon dynasty; two incidents Manchurian invasion, Jeongmyo-horan, in 1627 and Byeongja horan 1636 enforced the King Injo to take refuge in the island, taking advantage of the natural strategic environment to defend themselves from the enemy attack. Thereafter, Ganghwado had accordingly installed many military facilities to meet the pre-requisite of defending capital; castles, military bases, forts, outposts, batteries and beacon fire mounds etc. In the late of Joseon dynasty, a few incidents of the western power's invasion and Japan made the Ganghwado the most important military base to have the capital fully defended (see below). First incident was Byeongin-yangyo outbreaking in 1866 between Joseon and France. Daewongun, the actual ruler and father of King Gojong , was a man of isolated national policy of which he executed a religious oppression over the catholic priesthood and believers that had actually caused the hostilities to be opened by France. The second one was Sinmi-yangyo occurred in 1871 of which American navy opened hostilities upon the Jeoseon's denial of their proposal for a trade port opening. The third one was the Japanese ship Unyomaru happened in 1875. This was an incidental clash between Joseon and Japan in the offshore of Ganghwado upon Jeoseon's refusal of Japan's demand for the trade port opening. For the compensation on the Unyomaru's incident, a treaty of amity was bilaterally concluded in Ganghwado. This is a historical event that Joseon initiated to adopt the open door policy toward the world.

French invasion

In the nineteenth century, as outside powers sought to enter Korea by sea, Ganghwa became a point of contact rather than a refuge. In the early nineteenth century, Christianity (Catholicism) took root in Korea opposed by the Daewongun and conservatives in the Korean court. In 1866, distressed by the rapidly growing numbers of Korean converts to Catholicism, as well as the humiliation suffered by China at the hands of Westerners during the Opium Wars, the Korean court persecuted the French missionaries, massacring French Catholic missionaries and Korean converts alike. That same year France launched a punitive expedition against Korea, occupying portions of Ganghwa Island in the fall of 1866. In the first battle, the Korean infantry division suffered heavy

losses heavily. General Yang Haun-Soo concluded that only a large cavalry division could stand up to French firepower. The French suffered casualties in an ambush by Korean forces on a French party

attempting to occupy the Cheondeung Temple 傳燈寺 strategically located on the island‘s south coast. Aware from the beginning of the expedition that they lacked the forces to defeat Korea, the French fleet bombarded Seoul, recovering the two surviving French priests before steaming to Japan. In Korea, the incident received the name byeong-in yang-yo, or foreign disturbance of the byeong-in year (1866).

U.S. Asiatic Squadron

The U.S. Asiatic Squadron occupied the island in May 1871 in retaliation for the massacre of sailors aboard the stranded merchant marine schooner USS General Sherman in Pyongyang in 1866. The squadron hoped to use the opportunity to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Korea. Koreans justified the slaughter of the sailors aboard the General Sherman with the accusation that American sailors had killed Korean inhabitants, plundered the coastal area, and kidnapped a military officer. No evidence confirming those charges has been found. The Korean account relates that angered Korean locals burned the stranded General Sherman after killing the sailors. General Rodgers, commander of the U.S. Asiatic Squadron, sought a direct route by water to the Korean capital Hanyang (present-day Seoul). Encountering Ganghwa Island, he made contact with Korean locals. Misunderstanding between the both sides brought them into conflict. Rodgers made clear that the U.S. fleet would investigate the area without hostile intentions. The Korean fortress opened fire on the fleet as they passed. Rodgers requested a meeting to negotiate, which the Korean commander rejected. The Korean fortress commander is rumored to have replied: “We have been living 4,000 years without any treaty with you, and we can't see why we shouldn't continue to live as we do.” He opened fire on the fleet. The Korean cannons, improperly aligned, missed the ships. The American fleet bombarded the fortresses, taking the position, with marines storming the stronghold. Japanese Imperial Navy

In 1875 a Japanese ship, Unyo, while exploring the coast line on a charting expedition, received fire from the fortress on the Ganghwa Island. When the Unyo

launched a crew boat to the island, the garrison fired on them (Ganghwa Island incident). Japan demanded a treaty with Korea following the incident. Early in the following year, Japan sent a large force of the Imperial Japanese Navy to force the negotiation of a treat, the Treaty of Ganghwa resulting. That agreement, concluded on Ganghwa Island, officially opened Korea to Japanese trade. Trade had also taken place between the two peoples in earlier centuries long before Korea became a Hermit Kingdom.

Kanghwa Treaty of 1876

The Japan-Korea Treaty of Amity, also known as the Nitchō-shūkōjōki or Treaty of Kanghwa,was made between representatives of the Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of Joseon in 1876. Negotiations were concluded on February 26, 1876. After the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, European nations began to colonize many other weaker nations in Africa and Asia, the political ideology called Imperialism. Almost all of Africa was colonized by European Powers; most of Central, South and Southeast Asia including India was taken over by various European nations. East Asia also was invaded by foreign powers, beginning with the Opium Wars in China by Britain and other foreign powers; China's empire was reduced to a half-colonized territory. Meanwhile, the American Asiatic Squadron under the leadership of Matthew C. Perry forced Japan to open its ports to the western world in 1854. After Humiliated by unequal treaties and the prospect of losing its independence and integrity to imperialist powers, Japan embarked on a rapid transformation, successfully turning itself from a comparatively medieval society into a modern industrialized state.

The landing of the forces of the Un'yō at Ganghwa Island in 1875.

Historical sites

Ganghwa-do contains a few dozen dolmens (prehistoric raised-up uncut boulders, mostly assumed to be

tombs) from the 1st millennium BC, now registered with UNESCO. As It was also the site of battles

between Korean defenders and French and American attackers in the late 1800s, and so has several

fortresses with various military relics and displays During the Mongolian invasion the 81,000 Tripitaka

Koreana printing-woodblocks (one of Korea's greatest treasures, another of its UNESCO World's Cultural

Heritages, now stored at Gaya-san Haein-sa) were carved. Remains of the temporary royal palace and

the Ganghwa Town Fortress around it (rebuilt many times since then) can be found, and the steep

craggy mountain just west of town has come to be called Goryeo-san due to the wealth of relics and

sacred sites from that era (and a fascinating Buddhist legacy from even before that) on and all around it.

In addition, Mani-san in the island's southwest corner has been a site of Shamanic worship since ancient

times, becoming strongly associated with the cult of Dan-gun Wanggeom, Korea's mythical founding-

king -- that connection has now spread to neighboring mountains. Hyeolgu-san (just to Goryeo's south)

has also become regarded as a highly-sacred mountain, and Bomun-sa Temple on another island just off

the West Coast has developed into one of Korea's eight special shrines for worship of the Bodhisattva of

Compassion.

Mountains

One theory holds that Mani-san represents Heaven, Goryeo-san represents Earth and Hyeolgu-san in between them represents Humanity and therefore Mani-san is the Father, Goryeo-san is the Mother and Hyeolgu-san is the Child they hold -- echoing the famous first line of the "Western Inscription" by Chang Tsai (Zhang Zai, 1020-1077, Sung Dynasty China): "Heaven (yang) is our Father; Earth (yin) is our mother; and I, this tiny thing, live comfortably enfolded in Them."

Goryeo-san (436m) Goryeosan Mountain, once referred to as Oryeonsan, is a mountain rich in folklore. Legend has it that in the year 416 (during the reign of King Jangsu of Goguryeo), a Buddhist monk named Cheonchukguk climbed Goryeosan Mountain and found Oryeonji Pond where the five-colored lotus flowers bloomed. The monk picked the lotus flower petals and blew them into the air. He then built a temple where each of the petals had landed, naming the temples according to their corresponding color: Jeokseoksa, formerly Jeokryeonsa Temple (red

lotus), Baengnyeonsa Temple (white lotus), Cheongryeonsa Temple (blue lotus), Hwangryeonsa Temple (yellow lotus), and Heungnyeonsa Temple (black lotus). Around 130 dolmens are distributed along the foot of Goryeosan Mountain. Sirumisan Mountain, on the northern side of Goryeosan Mountain is said to have been the birthplace of General Yeongaesomun of the Goguryeo Kingdom. Mani-san (469.4m)

Mt. Manisan, at 496.4 meters above sea level, is the highest mountain in Ganghwa-do, and became designated a National Tour Site in 1977. When you climb to the top, you can see the surrounding Gyeonggi area and the West Sea, and because the mountain paths are organized, it is good for hiking. On Mt. Manisan there is Jeongsusa Temple from Goryeo Period, and Chamseongdan at the top of the mountain. Jeongsusa sits on the eastside of the mountain, and if you set in Daewungjeon, you can see a magnificent sunrise that is hard to see in this West Sea region. Near the temple, the forest is thick, and the lotus flower designs on the window are especially beautiful. Chamseongdan is on the westside of the mountain top, and is famous for its surrounding beauty. This was the place where Dangun offered sacrifices to the heavens. Even now on Foundation Day of Korea, we hold ceremonies to Dangun here. The altar is located in the middle of Baekdusan and Mt. Hallasan, and so is an important symbolic spot from where you can see the islands in the West Sea and the outline of the inland scenery. The kings of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla have also supposedly come to this spot and offered sacrifices to the heavens. There are two paths to Mt. Manisan, the Yangban Path and the Stairway Path. The Yangban Path has the ideal incline for a pleasant climb. The Stairway Path has steep incline, but once at the top, the view of the mountain and sea is very beautiful and is favored by many climbers. Located on the northside of Mt. Manisan peak, Chamseongdan Altar is where Dangun (founder of Korea)

is said to have offered sacrifices to the heavens. The story of Dangun reads that he made sacrifices over

4,000 years ago, making this relic a historical treasure.

Chamseongdan was renovated in 1270 under Goryeo Wonjong’s and after being renovated several more

times. To this day it has remained the same way and kept the same appearance. Chamseongdan is a

natural stone 5 meters in height, circular in shape at the bottom and rectangular at the top. Because it is

in the middle of Mt. Baekdusan and Mt. Hallasan, you can see the islands of the West sea and the inland

scenery. It is symbolically a very important place. It is said that in the past, the kings of Goguryeo, Baekje,

and Silla Kingdoms all offered sacrifices to the heavens here. This form of ceremonial sacrificing

continued prevailed until the Joseon Period (1392~1910). Visitors can see from scattered relics how

Korea’s ancestors revered and feared the heavens. Even now, on Gaecheonjeol Day, Koreans offer

sacrifices to Dangun here, and for national athletic events, a sacred flame for the games is ignited here.

Museum Ganghwa History Museum

Ganghwa History Museum, which was opened in 1988, exhibits the history of Ganghwa from the prehistoric age to the Choseon era in 4 exhibition rooms so that it can be easily viewed. There are 169 relics exhibited in total including 3 canons, iron frames, rock materials, timber, paper ware, stationeries and clothes. In addition, there is a big ship exhibited at the outside yard. Hwamoonseok Museum

It is a place which transmits the tradition of Hwamoonseok (a mat woven with flower patterns), an asset of our living culture which has been handed over since the Goryo era. It has a temporary exhibition room which exhibits Hwamoonseok as well as various sedge craftworks. You can view the past, present and future sedge craftworks which allow you to see the changing process of sedge craftworks. In addition, it would be a nice opportunity to experience making Hwamoonseok and sedge crafts with the local craftsmen. Rush craft is a representative manual craft only available in Ganghwado region, Hwamun seok mat is made in process that each pure white rush strand is woven in manual and interchangeably with precise accuracy.

The Museum of Natural History has numerous collections of rare shellfish, butterflies, birds, animals, and fossils

from around the world on display. Visitors can also observe live reptiles and other animals at the museum.

* Exhibition 1: Displays of live creatures such as mammals, birds and reptiles inhabiting the land and sea * Exhibition 2: Displays of sea anemones and insect species including the butterflies of the amazon * Exhibition 3: Wide range of shellfish, including colorful spondylus * Exhibition 4: Gemstones, colorful jewelry, and fossilized dinosaur eggs

Ganghwa Tidal Flat Centre. The tidal flat at the southern end of Ganghwa-do is one of the world’s great four tidal flats, and is designated as No. 419 of Natural Monument, the size of which reaches 52.7 times that of Yeouido. We at Ganghwa-gun have built an eco-friendly log tidal flatcenter in 2005 so that the visitor can easily view the tidal flat at Yeocha-ri. An aquarium and an exhibition hall in the shape of black-faced spoonbill are installed in the tidal flat so as to enable us to determine the tidal movement. At the 2nd floor, there is an observatory diorama exhibition room that provides interesting stories about tidal flats. This observatory diorama exhibition room utilizes a systematic education approach as it is a venue that facilitates discussion about the relation between tidal flat and living creatures, importance of tidal flats, observation of sand crab’s strong force, observation of halophytes and black-faced spoonbill and other relevant informative matters,

The vast tidal flat area of Ganghwado,

the breeding place and stopover of migratory birds, estimated to measure approximatly 450 square kilometers. This tidal flat is the biggest single cultural asset as nationally designated. Ganghwado and several islets including Seokmodo, Gyodongdo, and Boleumdo are naturally given with a large tidal flat and situated in the route of the seasonal birds migration. This blessing tidal flat furnishes important feedings and breeding area for many migratory birds back and forth Siberia, Alaska, Japan, New Zealand and others. Of the all species most rare birds, black faced spoonbills breed here and so was designated a natural monument. It is presumed that black faced spoonbill prefers to breed in this naturally advantaged tidal flat which is adjacent to the demilitarized zone where the people's access are strictly prohibited, free area of the natural enemies

Farming Culture Exhibition Room It provides differentiated things to view by vividly presenting the farming features of the past, present and future. Through a farm experience activity program such as potato digging, pepper picking, sweet potato digging and turnip experience etc and a farm product promotion, it bridges big cities and farming areas.

Royal palaces

Yongheunggung Palace is where King Cheoljong (a Joseon Dynasty

ruler who reigned from 1849 to 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 (Korean

traditional 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.

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 June 1232, King Gojong moved his capital to Ganghwa on account of its natural and strategic

advantages. The construction of the government office and the royal palace in Ganghwa was completed

in 1234. Ganghwado Island holds historical significance as the place where metal type was developed

and where the Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana printing woodblocks) were made during

the Goryeo dynasty. Upon the conclusion of the peace treaty with Mongolian forces in May 1270, the

capital was moved back to Gaeseong (present-day Gaeseong in North Korea), and the royal palace in

Ganghwa was subsequently destroyed.

In the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), Haenggung (the king’s temporary palace) was constructed on the

same site as the Goreyo palace. During the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea) in 1637, the

palace was conquered by the force of Ching dynasty of China. Afterward, Ganghwa Yusubu (Ganghwa

governor’s office) buildings were built on the palace site. 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.

Fortresses

Gwangseongbo Fortress’s outer wall from the Goryeo era was mended in 1618. The fortress was built in 1656 and the outpost was constructed in 1679. It was completely remodeled into a masonry castle with gates in 1745. During Sinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871), Gwangseongbo was the fiercest battle ground in Ganghwa. On April 24, 1871, a fleet with 1,230 American naval forces led by Rear Admiral John Rodgers landed on Ganghwado Island to demand the opening of Korea's ports and commerce. The armed forces attacked Chojijin Fortress and Deokjinjin Camp, then marched to Gwangseongbo Fortress, where they engaged in close combat with the warriors of Joseon. Although General Eo Jae-yeon and the other warriors were poorly equipped with far inferior weapons, they bravely fought to the death against the invading forces. The battlefield ruins of the fortress and the gate towers such as Anhaeru, Gwangseongdon, Sondolmokdon, and Yongdudon were repaired in 1977. The twin tombs of General Eo Jae-Yeon and his brother Eo Jae-seon, along with the anonymous tombs of warriors who died on the battlefield were also honorably arranged at the same time. Furthermore, a stone monument commemorating the restoration

Samnangseong Castle. In the legendary tale, three sons of Dangun built this mountain fortress and it was called Samnangseong castle or Jeongjoksan mountain fortress. The castle extended 2300 meters in length made of natural stone. Inside the castle, there was the former Jeondeungsa temple of historical subject built in the 11th year of King Sosurim in Goguryeo dynasty (382). The royal palace Goryeo dynasty was built in the 46th year of king Gojong (1259) and again collapsed during the unknown time. Now ruins remains there only Thereafter, the archives of authentic records for the whole adminstration of the Joseon royal regime was built in the 1st year of King Hyojong (1660).

Ganghwa county had restored these collapsed archives in 1998. This Samnangseong castle is also well known for celebration of the victory of General Yangheonsu defeating over French forces. This castle had four big gates, east, west, south and north without any towers installed to them. The tower of the south gate was built in the 15th year of king Yeongjo of Joseon dynasty in 1739 and consequently the tower collapsed. Recent Korean government has restored the towers of south gate to the currently existing one in 1976.

of Ganghwa Battlefield was erected on Yongdudondae Post. In 1988, an extensive rest area was created toward the shore for visitors’ convenience. Gwangseongbo Fortress is presently designated as Historical Relic No. 227. A religious service known as Gwangseongje is held annually to commemorate the patriotic spirits of General Eo Jae-yeon and other unnamed warriors. This service takes place at 11 a.m. on every April 24th of the lunar calendar.

Chojijin Fortress was built in 1656 for the purpose of national defense against seashore attacks from foreign enemies. Chojijin Fortress also encompasses the fortifications of Jangjapyeongdon and Seomamdon, which were constructed in 1679. Chojijin was the scene of many hard-fought battles during Byeonginyangyo (the French invasion in 1866), Sinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871), and the confrontation with the Japanese warship Unyomaru in 1875. On April 23, 1871, the American navy under the command of Rear Admiral John Rodgers landed on Ganghwado Island, and an American force of 450 soldiers attacked Chojijin Fort, Deokjin Camp, and Gwangseongjin Camp one after another. On August 21, 1875, the artillery of Chojijin engaged a fierce firefight with the Japanese warship Wunyoho. Chojijin Fortress was restored in 1973, and bullet marks still remain on the old pine trees and the fortress walls. The canons used by the military of the Joseon Dynasty are displayed in Chojijin.

Ganghwasanseong Fortress was originally a mountain wall made of earth, built during Goryeo King Go-Jong’s 19th year of reign (1232), after he moved to Ganghwa-do. 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 in the Joseon era. Ganghwasanseong Fortress originally had an interior and exterior walls, but only the interior wall exists 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. Until 1977, the interior wall was rebuilt many times over, but the east side of this wall has yet to be reconstructed.

There were four main gates to the wall. To the south, Anparu, to the east, Cheomhwaru, to the west, Manghanru, and to the north, Jinsongru, but today, the east gate no longer exists. At the west gate, the historic Yeonmudang still remains. This area was where the soldiers used to train, and was also the place where Korea-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity was signed in 1876. With its beautiful scenery, Ganghwasanseong Fortress is an ideal place for a brisk walk or refreshing drive.

Deokjinjin Fortress. The military fortress was recognized as outer lying post of strategic importance in terms of securing the command of Ganghwa strait. The fortress was constructed in 1656 during the reign of King Hyojong of Joseon dynasty. Deokjinjin fortress, Namjang batteries, Deokjin batteries were built in the 5th year of King Sukjong (1679). Twenty six officers, one hundred soldiers, twelve cannon shooters and two battle ships were assigned to this fortress. In the area of Deokjinjin the largest battery of all cannons in Ganghwado and Deokjin outpost were installed there and a warning monument stands along the seashore giving a notice of warning message to foreign vessels not allowed to access to island. There were fifteen cannons mounted within Namjang battery in those days but only seven cannons were available for this display at present. It was upgraded to directly commanded by Manho official in 1677 and awarded to name as Deokjinjin which permitted to assign one manho official, twenty six officers, one hundred soldiers, two battle ships and other military equipment. This is a place of very bloody battle took place here in Deokjinjin at both Byeongin-Yangyo of French invasion in 1866 and Sinmi-Yangyo of American Asia fleet's invasion in 1871. Thereafter, all the fortresses and tower gates were collapsed of which facilities were repaired and maintained in 1976.

Dolmens

Ganghwa-do’s most recognizable mascots are its haunting dolmens,

or Bronze Age tombs, which can be spotted around the island. Typically consisting of a large, flat rock

supported by two or more tall stones, some have been dated to 700 B.C., and in 2000 they were

collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the larger and more accessible clusters of

dolmen is near the village of Bugeun-ri, at the center of the island.

Gapgot Dondae observation post This observation post was an important fortress during the time of Mongolian invasion from 19th year of king Gojong of Goryeo (1232), to the 11th year of King Wonjong. This observation post was strengthened in the 22nd year of King Hyojong of Jeoseon dynasty (1644), Gapgotjin base was built in the reign of king Sukjong (1679). In the 3rd year of King Gojong, the French battle ship equipped with 600 armed forces arrived Ganghwa strait and invaded both Mt. Ganghwasan and Mt. Munsusan fortresses. However, the French forces were defeated by General Yangheonsu in the battle of Samnangseong (Jeongjoksan mountain) fortress.

The French attempted to loot away bronze bell, but failed due to heavy weight, so they pillaged some essential books and records of the library in the castle and burnt down the buildings of the Joseon palace. Those cannons of Joseon era are displayed in the outpost.

Temples

Jeondeungsa (635 Onsu-ri, Gilsang-myeon) is the island’s most renowned Buddhist temple, a

picturesque compound whose roots stretch all the way back to the year 372. It houses multiple national

treasures, including a bell cast in China in the 11th century and a soaring main hall where the roofs are

supported by notably ghoulish carvings of naked female figures—the builder’s revenge, local legend has

it, on a woman he was spurned by.

Bomunsa temple Bomunsa temple is located on Seokmodo Island. It is said to have been built by Silla Queen SeonDeok in

635. When you enter Bomunsa Temple, the first thing you see is an old Chinese juniper tree that is 600

years old. Behind the tree is a natural cave called Seokgulamja, a small Buddhist cell. Seokgulamja is

made from a huge rock, and though the entrance is small, once you enter the inside is quite large. There

is also a large millstone beside the temple, and it is about twice the size of regular millstones. It was said

to be used by monks for cooking and is designated as a Cultural Monument. A must-see item at

Bomunsa Temple is the Ma-aeseokbukjwa Statue and the Nunseop Rock. The Nunseop Rock has the 10

meters high Ma-aeseokbukjwa Statue on it. The West Sea from here is widely known to be quite

beautiful. Seokmodo Island where Bomunsa Temple is located is also very famous for its sandy beach,

and is often used as a background set for film shoots. The mountains and the sea, island also blend

together harmoniously, and the place is especially famous for the beautiful sunrise and seashore

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.

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Jeokseoksa temple is located at the western side of Mt. Goryeosan. It is said a Buddist priest from the ancient country of India, In the 4th year of King Jangsu of Goguryeo dynasty (416), climbed Mt. Goryeosan and found Oryeonji pond there with five colored lotus flower in bloom.

The priest then blew off five petals of flower into air to have the building lot marked where the pieces of petal fell on the ground and the temple was built there. The peak of the mountain behind the temple is called Nakjobong (sunset peak) and grandeur scenery of sunset here gives a really beautiful picturesque view as admired as one of eight best sceneries of Ganghwado.

Hanok Churches

Ganghwa Onsuri Anglican Church British missionaries who came to Ganghwa Island in the late 19th century made the island an Anglican stronghold. Early Anglican missionaries put a great deal of effort into “indigenizing” the faith, the fruits of which can be seen clearly in both Ganghwa Onsuri Anglican Church and Ganghwa Anglican Church. The current Ganghwa Onsuri Anglican Church — also called St. Andrew’s Anglican Church — dates back to 1906, when it was constructed under the supervision of Rev. (later Bishop) Mark N. Trollope. Unlike the larger Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral, which was designed by a royal woodcutter, Ganghwa Onsuri Anglican Church was built by local woodcutters, and as a result is simpler and truer to a Korean hanok home. As you can see from the interior, however, a number of Western elements have been adopted, most notably, its use of space — there’s a long nave running down the center, flanked by two aisles. The windows are obviously Western, too. Please note the use of the lotus flower for the cross on the front facade — how’s that for indigenizing religious symbolism! North Korea Observatory The Ganghwa Peace Observatory, located north of the Civilian Passage Restriction Line in Cheolsan-ri, Yangsa-myeon, had been a restricted military facility until September 2008, when it partially reopened for public access. The facility not only provides historical information on the Korean War (1950-1953) and its aftermath through several different image galleries, but also offers a chance to see the beautiful natural surroundings and parts of North Korea by looking through a high-performance telescope

Beaches and Ports Dongmak Beach Dongmak Beach is located at the south of Mt. Mani has a big sandy beach of 100m width and 200m length which is surrounded by a rich pine forest proudly showing gifted natural scenery. The size of Dongmak beach, which is one of the top four sandbanks in the world, is nearly 18 million pyung. At the beach you can take a sandbank experience catching crabs and shellfishes and playing a mud treatment game. Near Dongmak Beach, Seonsu Port (also called Hupo Port) is the largest port on Ganghwado Island. Fishing boasts anchored here often travel to and from the Seokmodo Island area which is known for catches of Large-eyed Herring. Thus the port is known for its many sashimi restaurants offering freshly-served cuts of this fish.

Usually return with Large-eyed herring are known for their tenderness and delicious taste. Herring sashimi is available year-round, but many believe it tastes best in May when the fish grow plump in size. In addition to sashimi slices, Large-eyed Herring can be enjoyed roasted, fried, mixed in dishes, or added to soups. Large-eyed Herring soup is a spicy stew that contains ground herring. This delicious menu item is difficult to find away from Seonsu Port. The fish market inside the cluster of restaurants offers fresh seafood including herring, blue crab, king prawns, bass, gray mullet, and webfoot octopus at reasonable market prices. The seaside destination is close to many nearby attractions including: Jeondeungsa Temple, Dongmak Beach, and a scenic drive along the coast Ganghwado Island. The port is also known for romantic sunsets which are best enjoyed when viewed from between the port and Dongmak Beach

Seongmodo Island (석모도) is located to the west of Ganghwado Island (강화도). Beautiful West Sea, a

drive by the shore, and the great scenic view are some of the features of island's highlights. To get to Seongmodo Island, simply take a ferry at Oepo-ri, which takes only 10 minutes. The seagulls that congregate over the sea, fly close to the ferry boat and provide a beautiful sight. When you arrive at Seongmodo Island, there is a bus terminal and a bicycle rental shop. If you are planning to hike around the island, rent a bicycle. You can tour around Seongmodo Island on a bicycle, by car, or simply by walking. If you want to go to Bomunsa Temple or Minmeoru Beach, ride the bus bound for Bomunsa Temple. If you want to hike or drive, you can visit most places by going along Ilju Road. It will take only 40 minutes by car, and about 2 hours and 30 minutes by bicycle to look around the island.

The most interesting sites in Seongmodo Island are Minmeoru Beach (민머루해수욕장) and Bomunsa

Temple. Minmeoru Beach is the only beach in Seongmodo Island; Its shores are elegant and the surrounding scenery is beautiful with a salt farm near the beach. Bomunsa Temple boasts great views of the West Sea and is famous for its sunsets and a Buddhist grotto that was built inside a natural cave. To the rear of Bomunsa Temple, the Nunseop Rock and the Ma-aeseokbuljwa statue engraved on a rock is also worth a look. Seongmodo Island. Minmeoru Beach is the only 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 foreshore of approximately one kilometer in length appears. The foreshore is very smooth and is home to marine life including clams, crabs, and more. The Eoryujeonghang Harbor and Janggothang Harbor are located nearby, so visitors can also enjoy sea fishing. .

Markets

Every fifth day market, a mix of old fashioned and conventional fair was established in downtown Ganghwa-gun. Gilsang, Hwado, and Naegamyeon. This

fair system also helps the farmers promoting direct sales. Ganghwa market is held every five days ( on the : 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27 of each month). There can be bought traditional produces from Ganghwa: Ganghwado turnip, lion-foot wormwood, ginseng, rice, yellow sweet potatoes, eels or salty shrimps. Suggested Activities in Ganghwa Festivals Dolmens Culture Festival Period: October each year. Venue: Dolmen Square ( Bugun-ri ) Main Events: Dolmen Academy, Dolmen Performance, including traditional marriage rehearsal, tea ceremony, Photo exhibition on Ganghwa, photo zone for children, local bazaar. Azalea Festival of Mt. Goryeosan Period: Mid-late Apri each year when the zone is covered with azaleas. Venue: Peak of Goryeo mountain, Dolmen square. Main Events: street art, photo exhibition on the hiking trails. Gaechon Grand Festival Period: within October each year Venue: Mani Mountain Main Events: Shamanistic ceremony, various traditional performances. Salted Shrimps Festival Period: Within October each year Venue: Oepo-ri harbour. Main Events: Song Festival, salted shrimps auction…