EXODUS DMC

tour

STOPOVER

Ganghwado / 9 hours



Tour Highlights
  • Chojijin Fortress
  • Jeondeungsa
  • Ganghwa History Museum
  • Ganghwa Dolmen
  • Peace Observatory
  • Ganghwa Anglican Church
  • Ginseng Market


Incheon - Ganghwado - Departure (- - -) 110km
Meet your guide upon pickup at the airport and begin a day's excursion of Ganghwado, such a fascinating island that is often called a microcosm of Korean history. Due to its strategic location, Ganghwado has historically been one of the first targets of many foreign attacks particularly in the late 19th century when Korea unsuccessfully sought to maintain its status as a "Hermit Kingdom".

Your first visit is Chojijin Fortress that speaks to the battles against foreign powers. In 1866 the Korean court came to blows with the French Navy led by Admiral Pierre-Gustave Roze because of the persecution of Christians in Korea which resulted in execution of nine French priest. In 1871 the American Asia fleet under the commander Rodgers twice attacked to avenge the General Sherman incident near Pyeongyang, and in 1875 the collision with the Japanese ship Unyomaru.

Jeondeungsa is up next. It is an active Buddhist temple dating back to 381 providing a glimpse into Buddhist culture. The temple came into prominence during the late Goryeo period (918-1392) when King Gojong commissioned the famous Tripitaka Koreana wood blocks to be carved there which are now preserved in Haeinsa temple. Check out tiny human figures, one at each corner in the eaves of the main worship hall. One version says that the forsaken carpenter carved his two-timing girl up in the rafters, eternally bearing the burden of her deceitfulness. Displayed on the courtyard is a Chinese bell dating back to 1097, that is designated a Korean treasure.

Ganghwa History Museum provides glimpse into the historical records of the entire spectrum of Korean existence, from the mythical foundation of Korea to the opening port to the outside World marked by Ganghwado Treaty signed in February 1876. On the nearby ground sits a huge Ganghwa Jiseokmyo Dolmen. This 53-ton capstone of 6.4 meters long, 5.2 meters wide and 1-meter thick rests on two sturdy supporting prop stones. This prehistoric dolmen including many others in Gochang and Hwasun has been registered by UNESCO in December 2002 as a World Heritage for their archaeological value.

At the northern tip of the island sits Peace Observatory only 2.3 kilometers away from North Korea. You will take a glimpse at the living environment of North Koreans across the river in the middle of which runs military demarcation line. It is definitely the most striking part of the tour yet a visit to the observatory ushers in the common hope for the Korean unification.

You will tour Korea’s oldest Ganghwa Anglican Church, characterized by traditional construction on the outside while the interior is a Western Basilica, where chapels are held every Sundays. The church bell donated by United Kingdom in 1914 was requisitioned by Japan. The current bell has a form of a Buddhist bell, which was created funded by offerings of brethren in 1989.

Later, explore Ginseng market. There are small stalls in the building type market, all of which has piles of fresh ginseng roots, including wide array of ginseng products. This mysterious root, which has a good smell better than it tastes, has historically been considered an empowering medicine and a cure-all. After a tour exploring impressive island and turbulent Korean history, you are transferred back to the airport in time for your flight.