Seoul Trip Overview
Make your own customized private tour and use your time efficiently in limited time in Gwanghwado Island! Ganghwado Island off the west coast is the fifth largest island in Korea and was connected with Ganghwadaegyo Bridge,making it easier than ever to travel to Ganghwado Island from Seoul. Our local tour guide will take you to some places that you want to visit!There are many places though, you can discuss where to go and how much you want to spend time at the site! Itinerary is flexible! Plus you will have authentic local food in Ganghwado Island like locals! Tour guide will introduce good local restaurants! In this tour program, you will visit major Jeongdeungsa Temple, Gwangseongbo Fortress, Gwanghwa cathedral, Joyang Bangjik Cafe(an old textile factory that has been turned into a very cool cafe complex), Dongmak Beach ! But this is just a suggestion plan for you. If there’s other place you want to visit, you can change the itinerary! Since it is a private tour only for your group.
Additional Info
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Starts: Seoul, South Korea
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Seoul Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Seoul, South Korea, South Korea
Make your own customized private tour and use your time efficiently in limited time in Gwanghwado Island! Ganghwado Island off the west coast is the fifth largest island in Korea and was connected with Ganghwadaegyo Bridge,making it easier than ever to travel to Ganghwado Island from Seoul. Our local tour guide will take you to some places that you want to visit!There are many places though, you can discuss where to go and how much you want to spend time at the site! Itinerary is flexible! Plus you will have authentic local food in Ganghwado Island like locals! Tour guide will introduce good local restaurants! In this tour program, you will visit major Jeongdeungsa Temple, Gwangseongbo Fortress, Gwanghwa cathedral, Joyang Bangjik Cafe(an old textile factory that has been turned into a very cool cafe complex), Dongmak Beach ! But this is just a suggestion plan for you. If there’s other place you want to visit, you can change the itinerary! Since it is a private tour only for your group.
Stop At: Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral, 336, Gwancheong-ri, Ganghwa-eup, Ganhwa-gun, Incheon South Korea
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 4×10 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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ganghwado, Buleun-myeon, Incheon
Joyang Bangjik is an old textile factory that has been turned into a very cool cafe complex. Walk through the front gate and you’re welcomed into the cafe on your right where you can buy a coffee or juice and then head into the main building to find a seat among the numerous options.
Take a seat at the long benches in the center or spread out at the tables that are along the walls. There is seating upstairs, around corners and head outside to find ever more.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Gwangseongbo Fortress, 27, Haeandong-ro 466beon-gil, Bureun-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon South Korea
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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Jeondeungsa Temple, 37-41, Jeondeungsa-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun Ganghwado Island, Incheon 23050 South Korea
Jeondeungsa Temple was originally called Jinjongsa during the Goryeo dynasty. It was used as a sanctuary that enshrined 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 Hall. 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 Hall showcases masterful workmanship. On the walls and columns of Daeungbojeon Hall, 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.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dongmak Beach, Hwado-myeon, Incheon South Korea
The primary attraction on the coastal road is the shore line of Dongmak Beach connecting Janghwa-ri in the town of Hwado-myeon (located south of Ganghwado Island) with Dongmak-ri. Visitors can comfortably enjoy the sunset after parking their cars on the roadside or in the parking lot of a nearby restaurant. Another great spot to enjoy the sunset is the high ground of Buno-ri. In Seokmodo Island, the best spots to enjoy the sunset are Minmeoru Beach and Janggu Neomeo Port. The beach of the island has a bow-like shape, and when the tide ebbs, a vast foreshore appears with all kinds of sea animals such as clams, crabs, trumpet shells, corb shells and more, making the island an excellent spot for children.
Duration: 1 hour
