• 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. The observatory aims to foster mutual understanding between the two Koreas and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous unified Korea. The facility comprises a 4-story building with a basement and features an outdoor observatory, an observation room, a unification wish room, and an exhibition hall, among other amenities. Observation Room: This briefing room provides a model of North Korean topography and insights into their daily life. Outdoor Observatory: Equipped with high-quality telescopes, visitors can observe North Korean landscapes and lifestyles.
• Ganghwa Dolmen (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - Dolmens are ancient stone tombs dating back to prehistoric times, predominantly found in Northeast Asia, with Korea housing approximately 30,000 of them.

The Ganghwa Dolmen Heritage Site in Bugeun-ri, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, contains around 120 dolmens, mostly Northern-style, made from large stones measuring 7.1m in length and 2.6m in height. These dolmens are located at unusual altitudes of 100-200m above sea level, providing valuable insights into the prehistoric era.

The Ganghwa Dolmen site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on November 29, 2000, along with the Gochang and Hwasun Dolmen sites. The best time to view this historic site is around sunset.

• Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral - Consecrated in 1900 by Charles John Corfe, the first bishop of the church, Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral was originally named St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church. Despite several restorations, the church’s design remains faithful to the original.
• Goryeogung Palace Site - Located on Ganghwado Island, the Goryeogung Palace Site is where the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) resisted the Mongol invasion for 39 years. In the 19th year of his reign, King Gojong relocated the capital to Ganghwa due to its natural and strategic advantages. During the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea) in 1637, the palace fell to the Qing dynasty of China. Later, structures from the Joseon Dynasty, including the Ganghwa Yusubu (Ganghwa governor’s office), were built on the 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 subsidiary buildings were restored in 1977, serving as a testament to the spirit of independence and resilience in the face of national crises.
• Jeondeungsa Temple - Originally named Jinjongsa during the Goryeo dynasty, Jeondeungsa Temple served as a sanctuary for enshrining family ancestors. Located in Samrangseong Fortress, which is believed to have been built by the three sons of Dangun, the founder of Korea.

Jeondeungsa Temple boasts significant architectural works, including the main building, Daeungbojeon Hall, adorned with intricate carvings that exemplify mid-Joseon dynasty architecture. The canopy above the Buddha statue in Daeungbojeon Hall is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Visitors can also see the names of soldiers who fought against the French Navy inscribed on the walls and columns of Daeungbojeon Hall, where they prayed to Buddha for good fortune in battle.

The temple complex houses ten other historically significant structures, such as Yaksajeon (Treasure No. 179), Beomjong Bell (Treasure No. 393, dating back to the 11th century), and the Yangheonsu Victory Monument (Tangible Cultural Treasure No. 26). The grounds are also home to numerous ancient trees.

• All fees and taxes included.

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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