Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Discover the enchantment of the Sochang Experience Hall - Immerse in the history and tradition of Ganghwa Island's textile industry, journey through the life of a cotton flower, and relish the joy of crafting your own Sochang fabric. Ganghwa Sochang Experience Hall - Experience timeless elegance of the 1938 Hanok, savor the unique flavor of the specialty turnip tea, and explore the deep roots of Korean textile art. Sochang Experience Hall, a living testament to Korean history - Delve into the textile journey from Hwamunseok to Sochang, engage in traditional stamping techniques, appreciate beautiful interior design, and indulge in a feast of culture and art. Discover the legacy of Incheon's Ganghwa Island textile industry at the enchanting Sochang Experience Hall. A treasure trove of history and tradition, it immerses visitors in the fascinating journey of Sochang fabric - from cotton flower to your fingertips. Our hall stands as a testament to the significance of the Sochang textile industry, having been remodeled in 2017 from the original Pyeonghwa Textile mill, which opened in 1956 and served as a cornerstone of the Ganghwa textile sector.         Sochang is an authentic 23-count cotton fabric, traditionally handcrafted from threads derived from the fluff of cotton. Before the advent of disposable diapers, it was widely used for cloth diapers, demonstrating its remarkable softness and absorbency. At the Sochang Experience Hall, we offer the extraordinary opportunity to create your very own hand towel by using traditional stamping techniques. This hands-on activity is free of charge but highly popular, so reservations are recommended. Amidst the timeless elegance of a Hanok, constructed in 1938 and fondly known as the '1938 Hanok,' guests can immerse themselves in a unique tea experience. We primarily serve tea made from roasted turnip, a specialty of Ganghwa Island. Visitors are welcomed to unwind in our serene setting, savoring the rich and refreshing flavors of our turnip tea.   Our doors are open from 10 am to 6 pm, providing a welcoming haven for guests seeking a deeper understanding of Korea's textile heritage. However, please note that we are closed on Mondays. Reimagined in 2016, the Sochang Experience Hall is a beautiful blend of a Hanok built in 1938 and the former Pyeonghwa Textile mill, exuding charm and history in every corner. As a celebration of Ganghwa County's traditional industry, it offers not only an insight into the textile industry's journey from Hwamunseok to Sochang, but also provides interactive experiences such as Sochang hand towel stamping, tea ceremonies, and Sochang weaving demonstrations. This allows you to engage with Sochang on a multi-sensory level. Planning a trip to Korea? Make sure to include the Sochang Experience Hall on your itinerary! As a hub of Korean history and a stunning architectural gem, it offers an experience like no other. From its alluring interior design to its intriguing narratives of the past, it's a feast for the eyes and the mind. Embark on a journey through time and tradition, experiencing the true essence of Sochang - right here at the Sochang Experience Hall.  


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Ganghwa History Museum opened in 2010, and is located inside Ganghwa Dolmen Park, which was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Historic Site No. 137.The museum aims to exhibit, preserve and educate about the history and culture of Ganghwa from prehistoric ages to modern times based on artifacts from the area.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Goryeogung Palace Site on Ganghwado Island is the site of the royal palace where the people of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) resisted the Mongolian invasion for 39 years. In June 1232, King Gojong moved his capital to Ganghwa on account of its natural and strategic advantages. The construction of the government office and the royal palace in Ganghwa was completed in 1234. Ganghwado Island holds historical significance as the place where metal type was developed and where the Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana printing woodblocks) were made during the Goryeo dynasty. Upon the conclusion of the peace treaty with Mongolian forces in May 1270, the capital was moved back to Gaeseong (present-day Gaeseong in North Korea), and the royal palace in Ganghwa was subsequently destroyed.In the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), Haenggung (the king’s temporary palace) was constructed on the same site as the Goreyo palace. During the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea) in 1637, the palace was conquered by the force of Ching dynasty of China. Afterward, Ganghwa Yusubu (Ganghwa governor’s office) buildings were built on the palace site. Nowadays, the only structures that remain are the Dongheon main office (built in 1638) and Ibangcheong administration office (built in 1654). The palace and its subsidiary buildings were restored in 1977.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

The cultivation of Ganghwa ginseng began during the era of King Gojong (1232 A.D.) of the Goryeo Dynasty. In 1920, Ganghwado Island was designated a special district for ginseng cultivation. At the onset of the Korean War (1950-1953), the people of Gaeseong City (the birthplace of ginseng cultivation) took refuge on Ganghwado Island and began to cultivate ginseng on a large scale, which was the beginning of the production of the famous 6-year-old root of ginseng.  Ganghwado Island has the optimal environment for ginseng cultivation with clay soil, sandy loam, and a cool climate condition influenced by onshore winds. The thick root of a Ganghwa ginseng does not have any inside cavity or white interior. This is how Ganghwa became a leading producer of the 6-year-old root, which has a high rate of red ginseng extract, cheonji.  Ganghwa Ginseng Center handles quality ginseng guaranteed in its cultivation, processing, and distribution, owing to the utmost care exerted to provide safe and reliable products. Fax  +82-32-933-5004 Structure Size  53 stores Operating Hours  09:00-20:00 Closed  Third Monday of each month Convenient Facilities  Restaurants, restrooms Parking Facilities  60 parking spaces Restrooms  Available Credit Cards  Accepted Baby Stroller Rental Services  Not available Pets  Not permitted  


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Bomunsa Temple is located at Seokmodo Island, which is the west of Ganghwado Island. It is said that the temple was constructed by Queen Seondeok during the Silla Era (635).  Entering the temple, you will see a 600-year-old Chinese juniper tree. Behind the tree is Seokgulamja, a small Buddhist temple in a natural cave. The entrance of the grotto is small, but the room inside is large. There is a huge millstone that the monks used for cooking beside Seokgulamja. It Is designated as Cultural Monument. If you go back side of the temple, you can see the must-see attractions here; the *Ma-aeseokbuljwasang and the Nunseop (implies eyebrow in Korean) Rock. The 10m high Ma-aeseokbuljwasang is engraved on the rock that looks like an eyebrow. The view of West Sea from Bomunsa Temple is beautiful.  The West Sea and sandy beaches of Seokmodo Island in which Bomunsa Temple is situated were featured in many films. Harmonizing with the mountains and the sea, the island is especially known for its sunset and seashore.  * Ma-aeseokbuljwasang  Ma-aebul is the Buddha image engraved on cliff or rock and Jwasang implies the image in a sitting posture. Telephone  +82-2-933-8271~3 Fax  +82-32-933-8270 Parking Facilities  100 spaces Admission Fees  Adults - Individual 2,000 won / Group 1,600 won Youth - Individual 1,500 won / Group 1,200 won Children - Individual 1,000 won / Group 800 won  ※ Group - 30 or more people ※ Free admission (with proper ID): Member of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, Seniors (age 65 and older), children not yet in school, men of national merit, wounded veteran and one guardian, persons with disability (levels 1-3)  


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Goryeosan Mountain, once referred to as Oryeonsan, is a mountain rich in folklore. Legend has it that in the year 416 (during the reign of King Jangsu of Goguryeo), a Buddhist monk named Cheonchukguk climbed Goryeosan Mountain and found Oryeonji Pond where the five-colored lotus flowers bloomed. The monk picked the lotus flower petals and blew them into the air. He then built a temple where each of the petals had landed, naming the temples according to their corresponding color: Jeokseoksa, formerly Jeokryeonsa Temple (red lotus), Baengnyeonsa Temple (white lotus), Cheongryeonsa Temple (blue lotus), Hwangryeonsa Temple (yellow lotus), and Heungnyeonsa Temple (black lotus).Around 130 dolmens are distributed along the foot of Goryeosan Mountain. Sirumisan Mountain, on the northern side of Goryeosan Mountain is said to have been the birthplace of General Yeongaesomun of the Goguryeo Kingdom.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Yongheunggung Palace is where King Cheoljong (a Joseon Dynasty ruler who reigned from 1849 to 1863) used to live before his ascension to throne. The chief of Ganghwa County, Jeong Gi-se, enlarged the original residence and named it Yongheunggung (meaning palace of the rising dragon) in the 4th year of King Cheoljong’s reign. Its architectural features include a paljak (Korean traditional half-hipped roof) and supporting columns rendered in Jusimpo style, the column brackets placed only on top of the columns. The palace was built in the tradition of dwelling houses such as the Yeongyeongdang and Nakseonjae houses in Changdeokgung Palace, so the palace buildings give off a simple and plain atmosphere. Within the precincts of the palace are a memorial stone and a monument house indicating that the palace used to be the old home of King Cheoljong.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Jeondeungsa Temple, located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon, South Korea, is a historic Buddhist sanctuary with a rich legacy dating back to 381 A.D. during the Goguryeo Kingdom. Surrounded by the peaceful Samnangseong Fortress and lush greenery, the temple provides a serene escape for visitors seeking cultural and spiritual enrichment. A Glimpse into History Established by the revered monk Ado-hwasang, Jeondeungsa holds an important place in Korean Buddhist history. The temple has witnessed significant historical moments and played a vital role in the spiritual life of the region. The main hall, Daeungjeon, is particularly famous for its exquisite wood carvings, showcasing the architectural excellence of the mid-Joseon period. During the temple's history, soldiers engraved their prayers for victory and protection on the walls and columns of Daeungjeon, leaving behind a tangible connection to Korea’s past conflicts. Architectural Marvels Jeondeungsa Temple is home to various structures of cultural and artistic significance, including: * Daeungjeon Hall: The temple’s central structure, admired for its intricate carvings and deep historical roots. * Beomjong Pavilion: This bell pavilion houses the ancient temple bell, which continues to be used in traditional Buddhist ceremonies. * Samseonggak Shrine: A sacred space dedicated to the Three Sages, reflecting the harmonious blend of Buddhist tradition and Korean spirituality. A Scenic and Spiritual Getaway Set amidst dense forests and gentle hills, Jeondeungsa Temple offers more than just history. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, admire the vibrant seasonal foliage, and soak in the peaceful ambiance. The temple complex is an ideal destination for those looking to reconnect with nature while exploring Korea’s cultural heritage. Why Visit Jeondeungsa Temple? Jeondeungsa Temple is more than just a historic site; it’s a place where history, culture, and nature come together in harmony. Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a quiet retreat, Jeondeungsa offers a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

First established in Ganghwa-eup during the 5th year of King Injong in the Goryeo Dynasty (1127), Ganghwahyanggyo Confucian School was moved to Ganghwa-gun and then restored at the foot of Buksan Mountain (formally Songaksan Mountain) in 1624 by Sim Yeol during the 2nd year of King Injo. Ganghwahyanggyo Confucian School is regarded as an important cultural and historical site in Ganghwa-eup.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

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. Furthermore, a stone monument commemorating the restoration of Ganghwa Battlefield was erected on Yongdudondae Post.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. This service takes place at 11 a.m. on every April 24th of the lunar calendar.