Ganghwado Island (강화도)

.0M 2023-03-24

Ganghwa-daero, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-934-7500

Ganghwado Island, off the west coast, is the fifth largest island in Korea. The island was connected to the mainland in 1970 with the construction of the Ganghwagyo Bridge. Another larger bridge, Ganghwadaegyo Bridge, was built in 1997, making it easier than ever to travel to Ganghwado Island from Seoul and Incheon areas. The island is home to Chamseongdan Altar on top of Manisan Mountain on the southern coast. This is said to be where Dangun Wanggeom offered sacrificial rites to the heavens. Another important item of note on Ganghwado Island is the collection of stone dolmens, a UNESCO-recognized world heritage.

Ganghwado Island has many famous local products, including the medicinally effective Ganghwa ginseng and hwamunseok, a mat woven with flower patterns. Hwamunseok is famous also as a representative traditional Korean product for its intricate handwork and designs.

Shin Arirang (신아리랑)

210.7M 2024-02-26

4-3 Ganghwa-daero 409beon-gil, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

Shin Arirang is a restaurant specializing in jeotguk galbi (salted shrimp and galbi soup), a local food from Ganghwa-gun. Jeotguk galbi is made by boiling pork galbi, pork bones, and vegetables with salted shrimp, offering a savory and rich flavor. Conveniently located near Ganghwa-gun Office, it is easily accessible and popular among locals.

Yongheunggung Palace (용흥궁)

223.3M 2022-07-27

16-1, Dongmunan-gil 21beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-3515

Yongheunggung Palace is where King Cheoljong (r. 1849-1863) 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 (traditional Korean 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.

Ganghwa Anglican Church (대한성공회 강화성당)

396.1M 2020-04-18

10, Gwancheong-gil 27beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
+82-32-930-4571

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.

The two-story 4x10 rectangular building is characterized by traditional Korean construction style on the outside while the interior is a Western Basilica style symbolizing the beauty of harmony and Korean tradition. It was first designated as Gyeonggi-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 154 and then became Incheon Tangible Cultural property when Ganghwa was included in Incheon Metropolitan City. In January 2001 it was designated as Historic Site No.424 of Korea.