Ganghwado Island: The Perfect Destination for a Quick Break from the Chaos of Seoul City

On the west coast of Korea, about 60 km northwest of the city of Seoul, there is an island called "Ganghwado". This island is the fifth largest island in Korea and is about an hour's drive from Seoul. Unlike Seoul, this island has vast mountains, views of the blue ocean and of course a calm atmosphere. Ganghwado Island also has a unique history, having served as the capital of Korea in the mid-13th century, fighting off Mongol invasions. In addition, being situated at the mouth of the Hangang river, Ganghwado Island has such strategic importance that it was the site of bloody battles with French and American forces in the 19th century.

Ganghwado Island is home to many historical and cultural sites such as the Oegyujanggak (Joseon Dynasty Royal Library), which houses books related to the royal family; a hanok-style catholic church, built by British missionaries; a factory that used to produce cotton fabrics; and many other historical relics.

Here are some tourist attractions that must be visited while on Ganghawado Island.

1.     Goryeo Palace Site

 

This place is the site of the royal palace of Goryeo when it fought the Mongol invasion stubbornly for 39 years. After the withdrawal of the Mongolian troops, the capital was moved back to Gaeseong. Long story short, in 1866, this building was burned down by the French Navy. Currently, only the Dongheon Main Office and the Ibangcheong Administration office are left. These places and buildings have been restored to their origins and become mementos and lessons of Korean society's history of resistance and patriotism to foreign aggression.

1.     Ganghwa Anglican Church

 

The Anglican Church was first introduced to Ganghwado in 1890 by British missionaries. After a long journey of construction, the Ganghwa Anglican Church finally opened on November 15, 1900. This building is an extraordinary and unique masterpiece because it combines a touch of Korean and Western culture. This church is said to be the first Hanok-style Catholic church in the Joseon era. Currently, this church still holds Mass on the weekends.

 

2.     Ganghwa Dolmen

 

History lovers will surely fall in love with Ganghwado Island thanks to the Ganghwa dolmen. This dolmen is representative of northern style dolmen from the bronze era. Ganghwado Island holds many relics of the prehistoric era, Goryeo era, and Joseon era. About one hundred and twenty dolmen scattered around the Goryeosan mountain (436 meters above sea level).

 

3.     Gwanghwasanseong Fortress

 

This earthen fort was built when King Gojong of the Goryeo dynasty moved the capital to Ganghwado. The Mongolian army forces the Goryeo dynasty to destroy it. After that, the fort was rebuilt with stone, but was partially destroyed during the war against the Qing invasion of China in 1637. After a long renovation process, the fort was finally completed in 1711. Gwanghwasanseong Fortress is very large and has four main gates. , namely Manghanru (east gate), Cheomhwaru (west gate), Anparu (south gate) and Jinsongru (north gate). There are two command posts (Bukjangdae and Namjangdae), four auxiliary gates used as secret passages and two water gates.

 

4.     Ganghwa Folk Free Market

 

A few steps away from Ganghwa Bus Terminal, visitors can easily find the Ganghwa Folk Flea Market. This market was built in 2007, changed from what was originally the Ganghwa Folk Market in an attempt to attract more tourists. On the first floor there is a fresh fish center, where visitors can choose fresh fish. On the second floor there are various kinds of restaurants serving delicious local specialties. In addition, the traditional markets around this market are open every 2nd and 7th day of every month. There are red chilli powder, wild vegetables from the mountains and other food ingredients hawked by the local people.

Its proximity to Seoul makes Ganghwado Island a great destination to escape for a moment from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. Visitors can relax while enjoying historical tours, natural views and local specialties while on this island.


Informasi mengenai wisata Korea dapat diakses melalui www.visitkorea.or.id, IG: @ktoid)


Komentar

Posting Komentar

Postingan populer dari blog ini

Gerakan silhak pada dinasti joseon di korea selatan

Gambar
Sejak awal abad 17, sebuah gerakan yang menganjurkan Silhak, atau pembelajaran mengenai hal-hal praktis, memperoleh momentum yang cukup banyak diantara cendekiawan-pejabat yang berpikiran liberal sebagai alat untuk membangun suatu bangsa yang modern. Mereka sangat menganjurkan dilaksanakannya perbaikan-perbaikan dalam bidang pertanian dan industri, sejalan dengan dilakukannya reformasi-reformasi menyeluruh dalam hal pembagian tanah. Namun bagaimanapun juga, para bangsawan dari pemerintahan yang konservatif belum siap untuk melakukan perubahan yang sedrastis itu. Pada paruh kedua masa pemerintahan Dinasti Joseon, administrasi pemerintahan dan kaum kelas atas ditandai oleh faksionalisme atau pembentukan golongan-golongan yang muncul berulang-ulang. Untuk membereskan situasi politik yang tidak diinginkan, Raja Yeongjo (1724-1776) akhirnya mengambil kebijakan yang tidak berpihak. Dengan demikian ia mampu memperkuat kembali kewenangan Raja dan menciptakan stabilitas po...
Baca selengkapnya

Jjukkumi, one of South Korea's signature dishes that you must try

Gambar
  Soon South Korea will enter spring. Usually spring starts from late March to early May. Because the temperature is not too cold but also not too hot, South Korean people usually like to eat foods that can maintain their health stamina, especially those that come from marine wealth. One of the specialties during spring is Jjukkumi. This dish is a dish made from small octopus. Jjukkumi is a favorite in spring, because during this season the octopus is at its fullest and the head tastes delicious due to the abundance of eggs. The egg shape is almost the same size and color as rice, but tastier. Although they both come from octopus, according to their type, Jukkumi is usually processed into 2 dishes, namely Jjukkumi Samgyeopsal Bokkeum and Jjukkumi Shabu-shabu. Jukkumi Samgyeopsal Bokkeum is made from two basic ingredients, namely jukkumi and samgyeopsal. Jukkumi or octopus ocellatus is a type of octopus that is small and has a softer texture than ordinary octopus. Samgyeopsal,...
Baca selengkapnya

Kondisi Alam Hutan Papua: Keajaiban Alam yang Perlu Dilestarikan

Gambar
Hutan Papua, yang membentang di pulau terbesar kedua di dunia setelah Greenland, adalah salah satu keajaiban alam yang masih tersisa di planet ini. Terletak di Indonesia bagian timur, hutan ini meliputi dua provinsi besar, Papua dan Papua Barat, yang menyimpan kekayaan biodiversitas luar biasa dan memainkan peran penting dalam ekosistem global. Meski memiliki potensi besar, hutan Papua menghadapi berbagai ancaman yang perlu segera ditangani untuk memastikan kelestariannya. Hutan Papua dikenal sebagai salah satu tempat dengan keanekaragaman hayati tertinggi di dunia. Dalam kawasan ini, terdapat ribuan spesies tumbuhan, mamalia, burung, serangga, dan amfibi yang tidak ditemukan di tempat lain. Sebagai contoh, burung cendrawasih, yang dikenal sebagai "bird of paradise," merupakan salah satu spesies ikonik yang hanya bisa ditemukan di wilayah ini. Selain itu, hutan Papua juga merupakan rumah bagi beberapa spesies mamalia unik seperti kanguru pohon dan berbagai jenis m...
Baca selengkapnya