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Island Escapes: Ganghwado to Daebu’s Coastal Trails

korea | May 14, 2025

Ganghwado Island

Ganghwado Island, off the west coast, is the fifth largest island in Korea. The island was connected to the mainland in 1970 with the construction of the Ganghwagyo Bridge. Another larger bridge, Ganghwadaegyo Bridge, was built in 1997, making it easier than ever to travel to Ganghwado Island from Seoul and Incheon areas. The island is home to Chamseongdan Altar on top of Manisan Mountain on the southern coast. This is said to be where Dangun Wanggeom offered sacrificial rites to the heavens. Another important item of note on Ganghwado Island is the collection of stone dolmens, a UNESCO-recognized world heritage. Ganghwado Island has many famous local products, including the medicinally effective Ganghwa ginseng and hwamunseok, a mat woven with flower patterns.

In Ganghwado Island, We visited several places and enjoyed the laidback lifestyle.

• Took a rice paddy walk was a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the countryside.

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Gwangseongbo Fortress. 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.

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Enjoyed korean cusine.

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• Explored local markets in the island.

Seongmodo Island

Seongmodo Island, located 1.2 kilometers west of Ganghwado Island, is a popular destination for families and those looking for relaxation. The island has various mountains as well as a 41.8 kilometer coastal road.

In Seongmodo Island, We went to Bomunsa Temple. The temple is on Sangbongsan Mountain, one of three mountains that make up the Samsan-myeon area. Like many temples in Korea, the foundation date is unknown but it is believed to have been founded in 635 during the reign of Silla Queen Seondeok. The temple faces out to the ocean, with the sound of waves reaching all the way to the main building. The main courtyard is fragrant with the scent of an aromatic tree, designated Incheon Natural Monument No. 17. Beyond the tree is a gathering of Buddhist scuptures and a large grotto.

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After visiting Bomunsa Temple in Seongmodo Island. , We went to a beach where people pitched camping tents to enjoy the sunset, dinner and stay overnight. We also stopped in a local seafood market to buy some fresh catch fish.

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Gyodongdo Island

Gyodongdo Island is located northwest of the larger Ganghwado Island, and was made more accessible with the opening of Gyodongdaegyo Bridge in July 2014. The island served as an important stopover point for ambassadors and envoys heading to China. Popular attractions on the island now include Daeryong Market, an alleyway market decorated with colorful murals and statues, and Manghyangdae Memorial, a gathering place for refugees who fled from the nearby Hwanghaedo Island during the Korean War.

In Gyodongdo Island , We went to Hwagae Garden and Observatory. The Observatory is in Hwagaesan Mountain, the highest mountain in Gyodongdo, standing 259 m above sea level, where you can see the Yeonbaek Plains in North Korea from the mountaintop. To serve the growing demand of tourists, the village now has a family recreation themed garden equipped with Hwagae Garden, a skywalk with an observatory, and a monorail. The scenery along the way is fascinating, and you can overlook the rice fields, the sea, etc.

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Daebu Island

Daebu Island (Korean: 대부도, Daebudo) is an island in the Yellow Sea, within the municipal borders of Ansan city, Gyeonggi province. The predominant industries are tourism and fishing. The island is connected to the mainland by road bridges.

We walked along Bangameori beach. Bangameori beach is a popular summer getaway spot for its Bangameori Food Street lined with restaurants serving fresh fish, grilled clams, and other delicious dishes. But We went to Bangameori in December. The day was very foggy and cloudy.

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