★Ganghwa Course★
Ganghwa Course operates, during the summer (April-October). For 7 hours, starting from 10 am, once a day, every Saturday and Sunday.
Ganghwa Course is a one day course tour for tourists to enjoy cultural and historical backgrounds, which range from the pre-historic age, the founding father, Biryu, of the Baekje Dynasty, the Goryeo Dynasty’s resistance against Mongolia, and the modern civilization period, as well as nature’s mystic scenery such as Jeondeungsa Temple.
Ganghwa Peace Observatory
North Korea is located only 1,500m away from here. From the Ganghwa Peace Observatory, visitors can see people walking in Gaepung-gun of North Korea without the aid of binoculars. At the observatory, various exhibitions are on display under the themes of Ganghwado and National Defense, Today’s North Korea, and Path to Korean Unification.
Goindol (Dolmen, Ganghwa History Museum)
Ganghwa Jiseokmyo (2.6m high, 7.1m long) is a representative dolmen of the Bronze Age, and it is designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. Within a radius of 4km around Goryeosan Mountain, some 120 dolmens, including Ganghwa Jiseokmyo (Historic Site No.137), are densely located here. As the “Ganghwa Dolmen Culture Festival” is held here annually, visitors can get a glimpse of the primitive age.
Gwangseongbo Fortress
Gwangseongbo, which was constructed by repairing the outer fortress of the Goryeo Dynasty, was the location of the fiercest battle during the Sinmiyanyo, which was an invasion of Korea by the three U.S. warships in 1871. The gate tower and high ground of the fortress, which were destroyed at that time, were restored in 1976, and the graves of unknown soldiers, who died during the battle, as well as a memorial monument to General Eo Jae-yeon, were repaired. The trail between Sondolmok and Yongdudondae (a high ground resembling a dragon head), is a location visitors can enjoy the view of the sea.
Ganghwa Ginseng Center
At the Ganghwa Ginseng Center, visitors can purchase various grades of ginseng such as the high quality 6-year old ginseng or a lower grade of ginseng, along with other medicinal herbs. Ganghwa Ginseng is the origin of Korean Ginseng, as it was cultivated since King Gojong of the Goryeo Dynasty. Ginseng is naturally picky about its cultivation environment such as climate and soil, and Korea is known to be the best growing country for ginseng. In particular, Ganghwa-gun has a reputation to be the most optimal place to produce the 6-year old ginseng roots.
Chojijin Fortress
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.
Jeondeungsa Temple
Jeondeungsa Temple was originally called Jinjongsa during the Goryeo Dynasty. It functioned as a sanctuary enshrining family ancestors. Jeondeungsa Temple is located in Samrangseong Fortress, which is said to have been built by the three sons of Dangun, the founder of Korea. Jeondeungsa Temple contains significant architectural works, including the main building Daeungbojeon. Decorated with delicate carvings, it is a superlative example of the architecture of the mid-Joseon Dynasty. The canopy situated above the Buddha statue inside Daeungbojeon building showcases masterful workmanship. On the walls and columns of Daeungbojeon, visitors can see names of soldiers written on the walls. These soldiers fought against the French Navy and wrote their names in Jeondeungsa to pray to Buddha for good luck in war.
