• Ganghwa Peace Observatory - Situated at the northernmost point of Ganghwa district, the Ganghwa Peace Observatory was inaugurated in September 2008 to offer insights into North Korea. This observatory aims to foster mutual understanding between the two Koreas and contribute to the vision of a peaceful and prosperous unified Korea. The facility consists of a four-story building with a basement, featuring an outdoor observatory, an observation room, a unification wish room, and an exhibition hall, among others. The observation room serves as a briefing area where visitors can view a model of North Korean topography and gain insights into their lifestyle. The outdoor observatory is equipped with high-quality telescopes for viewing North Korean landscapes and daily life.

• Ganghwa Dolmen (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - ‘Dolmens’ are ancient stone graves or tombs from the prehistoric era, predominantly found in Northeast Asia, with Korea housing approximately 30,000 dolmens. The Ganghwa Dolmen Heritage Site, located in Bugeun-ri, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, contains around 120 dolmens, primarily Northern-style, constructed from large stones measuring 7.1 meters in length and 2.6 meters in height. These dolmens are situated at unusual altitudes of 100-200 meters above sea level, providing valuable insights into the prehistoric period. The Ganghwa Dolmen site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on November 29, 2000, alongside the Gochang Dolmen and Hwasun Dolmen sites. The site offers a stunning view, especially at sunset.

• Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral - The Ganghwa Anglican Church, consecrated in 1900 by Charles John Corfe, the first bishop of the church, was originally named St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church. Although it has undergone several restorations, the church’s design remains faithful to the original.

• Goryeogung Palace Site - Located on Ganghwado Island, the Goryeogung Palace Site marks the location of the royal palace where the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) resisted the Mongolian invasion for 39 years. In the 19th year of his reign, King Gojong relocated the capital to Ganghwa due to its natural and strategic benefits. During the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea) in 1637, the palace was seized by the Qing dynasty of China. Later, the Joseon Dynasty’s palace and the Ganghwa Yusubu (Ganghwa governor’s office) buildings were established on the Goryeo palace site but were destroyed by the French army during the Byeonginyangyo (French Campaign against Korea). Today, only the Dongheon main office (built in 1638) and the Ibangcheong administration office (built in 1654) remain. The palace and its auxiliary buildings were restored in 1977, offering historical lessons on independence and overcoming national crises.

• Jeondeungsa Temple - Originally known as Jinjongsa during the Goryeo dynasty, Jeondeungsa Temple served as a sanctuary for enshrining family ancestors. It is located within Samrangseong Fortress, which is believed to have been constructed by the three sons of Dangun, the legendary founder of Korea. Jeondeungsa Temple boasts significant architectural works, including the main building, Daeungbojeon Hall, adorned with intricate carvings, exemplifying mid-Joseon dynasty architecture. The canopy above the Buddha statue in Daeungbojeon Hall displays exceptional craftsmanship. Visitors can find the names of soldiers inscribed on the walls and columns of Daeungbojeon Hall, who prayed to Buddha for good fortune in battle against the French Navy. The temple complex also includes ten other historically significant structures, such as Yaksajeon (Treasure No. 179), Beomjong Bell (Treasure No. 393, constructed in the 11th century), and the Yangheonsu Victory Monument (Tangible Cultural Treasure No. 26). The site is also home to numerous ancient trees.

• Private transportation
• All Fees and Taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Meals

South Korea’s fifth-largest island, Ganghwado is worth a side trip for its hilltop temples and other low-key attractions, as well as its fascinating history. For a brief period in the mid-13th century, when the Mongols were rampaging through the mainland, the island became the location of Korea’s capital. Situated at the mouth of the Han River, Ganghwado continued to have strategic importance

– it was the scene of bloody skirmishes with French and US forces in the 19th century as colonial powers tried to muscle in on the ‘hermit kingdom’.

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