Description

This private tour will start from your hotel with Minivan + English Speaking tour guide. You will visit an ancient fortress, a Buddhist temple, an Anglican cathedral, 

and the Peace Observatory where you can see North Korea just a few kilometers away. 

The Ganghwa Island is located close to North Korea and has historically been known as an ancient battlefield where Koreans fought for centuries against foreign invaders. Due to its geographical features and location close to the main island, the island has served as a temporary capital when foreign enemies invaded the nation during the Goryeo and Chosun Dynasty. Now in the present day, Ganghwa is the fourth largest island in South Korea and is located in the estuary of the Han River. The island now is an important location for travellers wishing to learn more about Korea's fascinating history.

Itinerary

- Pick up at your hotel 

- Move to Ganghwa island ( Driving 1,5 hrs from Seoul ) 

- Gwangseongbo Fortress 

- Jeondeungsa Buddhist temple

- Lunch 

- Ganghwa Traditional Market 

- Ganghwa Anglican Church

- Peace Observatory ( to see the North Korea ) 

- Move back to Seoul 

- Drop you at the hotel 

* Optional : Ganghwa Luge 

* Gwangseongbo fortress 

- 27, Haeandong-ro 466beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

: 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.

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. 

* Duration : 1 hr 

* Jeondeungsa Buddhist temple 

- 37-41 Jeondeungsa-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

: Jeondeungsa Temple is located in Samnangseong Fortress, which is said to have been built in 381 by the three sons of Dangun, the founder of Korea. The temple was originally called Jinjongsa Temple, but changed to the current Jeondeungsa Temple during the Goryeo period.

Jeondeungsa Temple contains significant architectural works. Decorated with delicate carvings, the temple buildings are superlative examples of the architecture of the mid-Joseon dynasty. you can see names of soldiers written on the walls and columns of Daeungjeon Hall. These soldiers fought against the French Navy and wrote their names in Jeondeungsa to pray to Buddha for good luck in war.

There are ten other structures of historical significance at the temple including Yaksajeon Hall, Beomjong Bell, and Yangheonsu Victory Monument. The compound is also home to many ancient trees.

* Duration : 1hr 

* Ganghwa Traditional market 

- 329 Ganghwadaero, Ganghwaeup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

: The Ganghwa Pungmul Market sells a variety of Ganghwa specialty products. 

The market is in a two-story building where on the first floor, there are vendors that sell food and dried goods, and on the second floor, there are stalls where you can grab a meal.

 you can also visit Local Ginseng Market next to the Pungmul market. 

* Duration : 30 mins ~ 1 hr 

* Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral 

- 10, Gwancheong-gil 27beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

: 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. 

* Duration: 30mins ~ 1hr 

* Peace Observatory 

- 797 Jeonmangdae-ro, Yangsa-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

: Ganghwado Island, situated along the Hwanghae Sea, is the closest island to North Korea, with the Hangang River running between them. Positioned on the northernmost mountain of the island, 

it provides clear views of North Korea. you can use telescopes to observe North Korea directly and explore exhibitions related to the country. 

* Duration: 1hr 

* Tour will finish at your hotel 

Cancelation policy

- Full refund if cancelled up to 7 days before the tour date.