Ganghwa Island Tour
Escape Seoul on a private tour to Ganghwa Island, where centuries of Korean history unfold through fortresses, temples, and borderland views.
From historic battle sites to peaceful villages overlooking North Korea, this journey reveals a lesser-known but essential chapter of Korea’s story.
Ganghwa Island Tour
<Island with so much history>
Ganghwa Island tour
Discover South Korea’s quaint, rural life on a private visit to Ganghwa Island. Just a short drive from Seoul, the island offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.
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 mainland, 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 travelers 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
Address: 27, Haeandong-ro 466beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Gwangseongbo 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. Although General Eo Jae-yeon and other warriors were poorly equipped, they bravely fought to the death against the invading forces.
The battlefield ruins and gate towers such as Anhaeru, Gwangseongdon, Sondolmokdon, and Yongdudon were repaired in 1977. The tombs of General Eo Jae-yeon and fallen warriors were honorably arranged.
Today, Gwangseongbo Fortress is designated as Historical Relic No. 227, and a memorial service known as Gwangseongje is held annually.
Duration: 1 hr
Jeondeungsa Buddhist Temple
Address: 37-41 Jeondeungsa-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Jeondeungsa Temple is located inside Samnangseong Fortress. The temple contains some of the finest examples of mid-Joseon Dynasty architecture.
Names of soldiers who fought against the French Navy are carved on the columns of Daeungjeon Hall, written as prayers to Buddha for good fortune in battle.
The temple complex also includes Yaksajeon Hall, Beomjong Bell, Yangheonsu Victory Monument, and many ancient trees.
Duration: 1 hr
Ganghwa Traditional Market
Address: 329 Ganghwadaero, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
The Ganghwa Pungmul Market sells a variety of Ganghwa specialty products. The two-story market offers food and dried goods on the first floor and restaurants on the second floor.
You can also visit the Local Ginseng Market nearby.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral
Address: 10, Gwancheong-gil 27beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Ganghwa Anglican Church was consecrated in 1900 and features a unique harmony of traditional Korean exterior design and Western basilica-style interior.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Peace Observatory
Address: 797 Jeonmangdae-ro, Yangsa-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Located on the northernmost mountain of Ganghwa Island, the Peace Observatory offers clear views of North Korea across the Han River. Visitors can observe North Korea directly using telescopes and explore exhibitions related to the country.
Duration: 1 hr
Tour will finish at your hotel
Ganghwa Island Tour
<Island with so much history>
Ganghwa Island tour
Discover South Korea’s quaint, rural life on a private visit to Ganghwa Island. Just a short drive from Seoul, the island offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.
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 mainland, 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 travelers 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
Address: 27, Haeandong-ro 466beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Gwangseongbo 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. Although General Eo Jae-yeon and other warriors were poorly equipped, they bravely fought to the death against the invading forces.
The battlefield ruins and gate towers such as Anhaeru, Gwangseongdon, Sondolmokdon, and Yongdudon were repaired in 1977. The tombs of General Eo Jae-yeon and fallen warriors were honorably arranged.
Today, Gwangseongbo Fortress is designated as Historical Relic No. 227, and a memorial service known as Gwangseongje is held annually.
Duration: 1 hr
Jeondeungsa Buddhist Temple
Address: 37-41 Jeondeungsa-ro, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Jeondeungsa Temple is located inside Samnangseong Fortress. The temple contains some of the finest examples of mid-Joseon Dynasty architecture.
Names of soldiers who fought against the French Navy are carved on the columns of Daeungjeon Hall, written as prayers to Buddha for good fortune in battle.
The temple complex also includes Yaksajeon Hall, Beomjong Bell, Yangheonsu Victory Monument, and many ancient trees.
Duration: 1 hr
Ganghwa Traditional Market
Address: 329 Ganghwadaero, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
The Ganghwa Pungmul Market sells a variety of Ganghwa specialty products. The two-story market offers food and dried goods on the first floor and restaurants on the second floor.
You can also visit the Local Ginseng Market nearby.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral
Address: 10, Gwancheong-gil 27beon-gil, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Ganghwa Anglican Church was consecrated in 1900 and features a unique harmony of traditional Korean exterior design and Western basilica-style interior.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Peace Observatory
Address: 797 Jeonmangdae-ro, Yangsa-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Located on the northernmost mountain of Ganghwa Island, the Peace Observatory offers clear views of North Korea across the Han River. Visitors can observe North Korea directly using telescopes and explore exhibitions related to the country.
Duration: 1 hr
Tour will finish at your hotel
