Geumpung Brewery: A Taste of Tradition on Ganghwa Island 1. Overview Geumpung Brewery is a traditional Korean brewery (often referred to as a “양조장”) located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon. Renowned for its production of artisanal alcoholic beverages—particularly traditional Korean rice wines or soju—it has grown into a popular destination for travelers looking to experience Korea’s deep-rooted craft brewing culture. Surrounded by Ganghwa’s serene countryside, Geumpung Brewery combines heritage, taste, and hands-on learning, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to delve into local traditions and flavors. 2. History & Significance * Roots in Korean Brewing Culture Ganghwa Island has long been known for its agricultural heritage, and local breweries have historically relied on nearby farms for high-quality rice and grains. Geumpung Brewery carries on this legacy by using carefully sourced ingredients and time-tested methods handed down through generations. * Revitalizing Traditional Techniques In an era of large-scale industrial production, Geumpung stands out by preserving age-old recipes and natural fermentation processes. By doing so, it offers visitors a glimpse into the classic Korean brewing style that has shaped the nation’s beverage culture for centuries. 3. What to See & Do * Brewery Tours & Tastings Many visitors come to sample makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine), soju, or other craft liquors produced on-site. Brewery tours typically explain the fermentation process, ingredient selection, and cultural significance of each beverage. On some occasions, guests may enjoy guided tastings where they can learn to discern subtle flavor variations or pair them with local dishes. * Hands-On Workshops Depending on the brewery’s schedule, Geumpung Brewery may host short classes or workshops where visitors can try their hand at basic fermentation or bottling. These sessions often include interactive discussions with brewmasters, offering insight into the artistry behind Korea’s traditional liquors. * Traditional Ambience & Architecture The brewery itself may feature rustic wooden structures or courtyard areas reminiscent of rural Korean architecture. Strolling around the premises allows visitors to soak in the calm Ganghwa Island atmosphere, as well as snap memorable photos showcasing a blend of history and modern craft. 4. Practical Information * Location Situated on Ganghwa Island, Incheon, Geumpung Brewery benefits from the region’s peaceful environment—just a short drive or bus ride away from other notable attractions such as temples, coastal walks, and historical sites. * Hours & Admission Operating hours, tour times, and workshop availability can change due to seasonal or production considerations. It’s best to check Geumpung Brewery’s official website or social media channels for the latest updates, reservation details, or special promotions. * Transportation By Car/Taxi: Travel times from central Incheon or Seoul range from one to two hours, depending on traffic. Enter “Geumpung Brewery” or “금풍양조장” in your GPS/map app for directions. By Public Transit: Take an intercity bus to Ganghwa Bus Terminal, then use local bus routes or a short taxi ride to the brewery’s vicinity. * Visitor Tips While some staff may speak basic English, bringing a translation app or knowing a few Korean phrases can enhance your experience, especially if you want to ask in-depth questions about the brewing process. For travelers on a tight schedule, pairing a short brewery tour and tasting with other Ganghwa highlights—like Ganghwa dolmens (a UNESCO World Heritage site) or scenic coastal areas—makes an ideal day trip itinerary. 5. Why Include Geumpung Brewery in Your Incheon Trip * Authentic Cultural Experience Observing how rice wine and soju are still made using traditional methods is a window into Korea’s culinary heritage and the island’s agrarian roots. * Tasting Local Flavors You’ll get to savor freshly brewed rice wines or spirits—often showcasing a more nuanced taste than mass-produced versions. * Hands-On Learning If you join a workshop, you can gain firsthand knowledge about Korea’s unique approach to fermentation—a cornerstone of its food and drink culture. * Ganghwa Island Exploration Ganghwa-do boasts numerous temples, old fortresses, and picturesque landscapes. Adding Geumpung Brewery to your travel route enhances the overall cultural depth of your journey. Conclusion Geumpung Brewery stands as a testament to Korea’s vibrant brewing heritage on Ganghwa Island. Its commitment to preserving age-old techniques, along with offering tours, tastings, and occasional workshops, makes it a standout attraction for foreign visitors. Whether you’re on a day trip from Incheon or planning an extended stay to explore the island’s historical and natural sites, Geumpung Brewery provides an authentic, palate-pleasing introduction to the rich tapestry of Korean traditional alcohol. Enjoy the relaxed pace, savor local flavors, and leave with a deeper appreciation for a centuries-old craft that continues to thrive in modern times.

Also referred to as Seolsan and Seolbongsan, the mountain was named Seorak ('Seol' meaning 'snow' and 'Ak' meaning 'big mountain') because the snow would not melt for a long time keeping the rocks in a permanent state of white. In November 1965, the Seorak Mountain district was designated as a Natural Monument preservation area. Afterwards in December 1973, it was designated as a park preservation area, and in August 1982, as a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO.The park is spread across 4 cities and counties: Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. The highest peak is Daecheongbong; to the east is OeSeorak and to the west is NaeSeorak, which is divided again into North NaeSeorak and South NaeSeorak. North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon, which flows to Ingyecheon and Baekdamcheon streams. There are numerous valleys in NaeSeorak. Follow the Baekdamcheon Valley where all the streams meet and you will reach Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for its beautiful scenery. Upstream there is Gayadong Valley and Suryeomdong Valley, and past Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae there is Madeungryeong Ridge (1,327m) that leads to Seorakdong.Follow Suryeomdong Valley and you will reach Waryong and Ssangpok waterfalls . Further up is Bongjeongam (1,224m sea level). Once you arrive at Daecheong Peak you can view the magnificent mountain range. The sunrise viewed from here is spectacular and should not be missed. South NaeSeorak directs the valley from Oknyeotang area to Hangyeryeong. Daeseung Waterfall north of Jangsudae is the most beautiful site of NaeSeorak, which is 88m high. South of Yongdaeri Valley is the Twelve Fairy Bathing Spring, Oktang Falls, and Yongtang Falls, along with several other traditional relics.

Located in Hansan-myeon, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jangsado Island is an island that is just 400 m in x_width, and 1.9 km in length, reaching an altitude of 108 m with total area of 390,131㎡. The island’s trees number approximately 100,000, with numerous camellia trees, and other varieties including silver magnolia. It also has beautiful fairy pitta birds, a natural monument, in addition to white eye birds. Local plants representative of Jangsado Island include aerides and dendrobium monile. The island’s name derives from its long shape, which resembles a silkworm (“jam” is a Chinese character that means “silkworm”).Located on Geoje Island, Hallyeohaesang National Park Korea is famous for its beautiful Camellia flowers that bloom in winter. The whole area of Island is covered with hydrangea in summer featuring different beauty of each season. Most of plants consists of evergreen trees which makes the island the greenness all year long.The island embraces its natural surrounding at maximum to preserve their natural beauty by the minimum of development. The eco-friendly park houses various sculptures and artistic pieces every place, and various performances are taken at outdoor performance hall which can accommodate up to 1,000 seats. So the park features a new-concept of cultural marine park, co-existing nature and culture alike.

Located in Seongdong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongju Station began operating on November 1, 1918. The station is part of the Donghae Nambu Line and is the last stop on the Jungang Line.

Located along the national highway between Jecheon and Wonju, Baeron Holy Ground has great spiritual significance as it served as the fountainhead of the spread of Catholicism in Korea. During the early years of Catholicism in Korea, Catholics fleeing from the Sinhae Persecution (1791) came to this place, formed a community, and made their faith deeper. A man named Hwang Sa-yeong (Alexander, 1775–1801) hid in a tunnel and wrote letters about the situation of the Joseon Catholic Church on silk fabrics, but was captured and martyred in 1801. Baeron is a historic place where Joseon’s first theological school, St. Joseph Theological School, was founded, but the school was eventually shut down. The graves of Fr. Tomas Choe Yang-eop (1821–1861), Korea’s second Roman Catholic priest, and the Martyr Hwang Sa-yeong Memorial Tower can be seen at Baeron Holy Ground. Baeron Holy Ground is surrounded by rugged mountains such as Guhaksan Mountain and Baegunsan Mountain and Chiaksan Mountain. The mountain path from the holy ground eventually leads to Bakdaljae Natural Forest.

Seooreung (서오릉) is composed of Gyeongneung (경릉, the tomb of the posthumously designated rulers, King Deokjong and Queen Sohye), Changneung (창릉, the tomb of King Yejong, the 8th ruler, and Queen Ansun), Hongneung (홍릉, the tomb of Queen Jeongseong, a consort to King Yeongjo, the 21st ruler), Ingneung (익릉, the tomb of Queen Ingyeong, a consort to King Sukjong) and Myeongneung (명릉, the tomb of King Sukjong, the 19th ruler, and his two wives, Queen Inhyeon and Queen Inwon).Seooreung is the second largest royal burial site of the Joseon Dynasty after Donggureung. In Korean, the mausoleums of Kings and Queens are named “Reung” or “Neung”, the tombs of Kings’ parents, Crown Princes and Princesses are called “Won”, and the tombs of princes and princess are called “Myo”.In addition to the five “Reung”s (the tombs of the Kings and Queens) in Seooreung, there are three “Won”s. These include Sunchangwon (순창원, the tomb of Crown Prince Sunhoe and Crown Princess Gonghoebin), Sugyeongwon (수경원, the tomb of King Yeongjo’s concubine, Yeongbin) and Yeonghoewon (영회원, King Injo’s son, Crown Prince Sohyeon and Crown Princess Minhoebin). Also, Daebinmyo, the grave of Janghuibin who was King Sukjong’s concubine and King Gyeongjong’s mother, was recently moved to Seooreung.

The Mulhyanggi Arboretum (물향기 수목원), situated in Osan City, Gyeonggi Province, is a peaceful area where you can come to relax, but is surprisingly located amidst high-rise apartment buildings in the city center. There are many things to see at the beautifully named 330,580m2 arboretum (mulhyanggi meaning water fragrance). There are 16 themed centers, various auxiliary facilities, and 1,601 different species of plants. The Mulhyanggi Arboretum, is a great place for a leisurely walk, and takes around two hours to see in its entirety. It is not so sublime as the Gwangneung Arboretum, but is charming, and offers many things to see as it features variously themed centers. Children will have an exciting time at the Topiary Center, which can be seen from the parking lot, and the Maze Center. Other themed centers include the Pine Tree Center, the Maple Tree Center, the Fruit Tree Center, the Tendril Plant Center, the Center of Native Plants of Central Korea, the Dwarf Tree Center, the Local Crafts Tree Center, the Wet Land Ecology Center, the Center for Plants that Live in Humid Areas, the Warm Temperature Zone and Pteridophyte Center, the Functional Plant Center, the Althea Center, and the Insect Ecology Center. There is also an observatory made from a tree. As indicated in its name, the waters of this arboretum are clear and clean. Tadpoles swim in the wetland and Korean squirrels scurry up and down the trees. The arboretum, only an hour away from Seoul, affords city dwellers a place to relax in peace where they can experience different forms of natural beauty according to the season.※ There are no shops, restaurants, or trash bins. Visitors to the site are recommended to take waste back homes and to be considerate of the environment. You can bring a lunch box and enjoy your meal at the ‘Rest Area inside the Forest’, which is a designated site for eating.

Hwaam Cave (화암동굴) used to be a gold mine that was commercially operated from 1922 to 1945. The nation’s 5th largest goldmine was, however, found to have natural stalactites, and later the cave was developed as the only theme-based cave that combined gold and nature. The stalactite area is an open space of 2,800㎡ and the length of the path open to visitors is 1,803 meters. The entire area consists of 5 chapters, which in turn constitute 41 zones; it takes about an hour and a half to see all of the zones. You can travel to the entrance of Hwaam Cave on Korea’s first cave monorail listening to the soft pipe-in music of Jeongseon Arirang. Hwaam Cave is not only a tourist attraction but also an educational venue where you can learn a lot about the subterranean ecology of a stalactite-lined cave and the process of gold mining/refining.* Five ChaptersChapter 1. History: The processes used in the development of the Cheonpo Goldmine are demonstrated. Also, actual gold veins, excavating facilities and other mining traces have been preserved for tourists.Chapter 2. 365 Steps to Gold: The 90-meter high natural cave that connects the upper and lower shafts is now connected by 365 steps, and you can enjoy cave flowers and wall craters/holes while walking down the steps.Chapter 3. Golden Fantasy: The process of gold mining and the value of gold are explained by animated characters.Chapter 4. More About Gold: You can see an 18.5kg gold bar, educational videos, dioramas, and learn even more about gold.Chapter 5. Mysterious Mother Nature: The natural stalactite cave offers unembellished yet magnificent scenery with Asia’s largest stalactite cascade, huge stalagmites/stone pillars, a statue of the Virgin Mary, a statue of the Buddha, cave flowers and helictites. 

The Incheon Open Port Museum is a cultural and historical landmark located in a late Renaissance-style stone building that originally housed the Japanese 1st Bank's Incheon Branch, built in 1899. This museum provides visitors with a deeper understanding of Incheon's modernization and its role as an international trade hub following its designation as an open port. The exhibitions highlight the significant social, economic, and cultural transformations that took place during this period. Exhibitions The museum consists of four permanent exhibition halls, each focusing on a different aspect of Incheon’s development: * Hall 1 – Introduction to the opening of Incheon Port and its role in modernization * Hall 2 – Changes in Incheon’s urban landscape, featuring historical photographs and architectural models * Hall 3 – Development of transportation, communication, and infrastructure that contributed to Incheon's growth * Hall 4 – Daily life in Incheon during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with artifacts and interactive displays Visitors can explore a range of historical materials, including old maps, documents, and objects that illustrate Incheon's transformation into a modern city. Visitor Information * Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM) * Closed: Mondays, New Year's Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year), and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day). If a public holiday falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed the following Tuesday. Admission Fees: * Adults: 500 KRW (Group: 300 KRW) * Teens (ages 13–18): 300 KRW (Group: 200 KRW) * Children (under 12): Free * Integrated Ticket (includes access to five museums in the area): Adults 3,400 KRW, Teens 2,300 KRW, Children 2,100 KRW Museum Facilities * First Floor: Information desk, exhibition halls 1–4 * Second Floor: Seminar room, honorary director's office Nearby Attractions Visitors can explore several cultural and historical attractions within walking distance of the Incheon Open Port Museum: * Jajangmyeon Museum – A museum dedicated to the history of Korea’s famous black bean noodles, tracing its origins and evolution. * Incheon Open Port Modern Architecture Museum – Showcasing the architectural heritage of the port-opening period, housed in a former bank building. * Korean-Chinese Cultural Center – A space highlighting the cultural exchanges between Korea and China, with exhibitions and performances. Why Visit? The Incheon Open Port Museum offers a fascinating insight into Korea’s modernization period, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and those interested in understanding Incheon's transformation into a major international city. Whether you are visiting for educational purposes or simply to enjoy a unique historical experience, the museum provides a valuable perspective on Korea’s past and its path toward modernization.

The deep blue ocean of Hwajinpo Beach invites an endless trail of visitors to the area where you can also find other attractions such as the magnificent Hwajinpoho Lagoon, historical summer villas and a refreshing pine tree forest.Hwajinpo Beach is originally known for its beautiful 1.7-km long shoreline, preserved with shallow yet clean water and fine sand. The spectacular view of sunset is another reason many visit this place.If you move inland from the beach you will find Hwajinpoho Lagoon. This is one of the most beautiful lagoons you will find in Korea, with its graceful scenery, surrounded by a forest of pine trees and a field of sweet briers. The lagoon presents a renewed sense of appreciation for nature. The name Hwajinpo, in fact, originated from the numerous sweet briers blooming in the region.If you head down south a bit from the beach, you will also find a few villas in the midst of the woods. They once belonged to historical figures such as North Korean dictator Kim Il-Seong and Korea's first president Yi Seung-Man. Some of these historical villas have been restored to attract many visitors.