Stonehenge and Easter Island are known all over the world for their unusual and inexplicable stone structures. But sometimes stones are just a tribute to the spirits of ancestors, altars or graves. For example, tourists come to South Korea on the island of Ganghwado, who are attracted by historical dolmens and legends associated with them.
More about Ganghwad
Stonehenge and Easter Island are known all over the world for their unusual and inexplicable stone structures. But sometimes stones are just a tribute to the spirits of ancestors, altars or graves. For example, tourists come to South Korea on the island of Ganghwado, who are attracted by historical dolmens and legends associated with them.
More about Ganghwad
The fifth largest island among others in South Korea is Ganghwado Island: its area is 302.4 sq. Km. km. This is the largest part of the Ganghwa County to which it refers. The highest geographical mark of the island of Ganghwado - 469 m - is Mount Manisan . Currently, the population of the island is about 65.5 thousand people.
The settlement of Kanhwado took place many centuries ago, the island was a strategic object for a long time. According to the legends, Tangun - the first ruler and founder of ancient Korea - built on this summit his altar to worship and honor the ancestors. The inhabitants of South Korea are often called the Ganghwad Island of dolmens.
Geography of the island
It is located in the Yellow Sea near the western shores of South Korea, at the very mouth of the Han River . The main stream of the river separates it from the North Korean city of Kaesong. From the mainland, the island is connected by the bridges of Ganghwadge and Chodzhidege, crossing a narrow strip of water. The nearest town to Ganghwa is Gimpo .
Territorially to the island is 11 more inhabited and 17 small islands without a permanent population and infrastructure. The total length of the coast of Ganghwad is 99 km.
Attractions and attractions
The historical value of this territory is very high: it is here that many important cultural and national attractions are located not only in the whole of Ganghwad, but also in the county and city of Incheon , to which the island belongs. The most notable of them are:
- dolmens Coindol - 80 graves of the nobility of the large stones of the Bronze Age;
- the altar of the sacrifices of King Tangun Wangom of Chhansondan on the top of Manissan Hill - he is over 4 thousand years old;
- The Historical Museum, which hosts exhibitions and seminars on the history and culture of Ganghwado Island;
- Tamtamgak is a traditional Korean house in the south of the island of Hanok culture, which moved into private hands and was rebuilt for visitors and tourists;
- an overview tour of the fortifications of the island is 7 fortresses and 53 forts, many of them (Endutonde, Kwensobo, Tokchichin, etc.) are restored for tourists in their original form;
- a stele of voluntary isolation in Fort Tokchijin;
- Buddhist monastery Chondynsa , which until the XIII century kept the original Buddhist scripture;
- the monastery of the XII century Pomunsa and its statue of Buddha, cut straight in the rock.
Total dolmens on the island of Ganghwad have been counted and entered in the UNESCO list of 157 pieces. In the theme park of dolmens, you can admire not only the Korean monumental boulders, but also good copies of the famous objects of other countries. And at the turn of the months July-August there is a festival of dolmens.
From other entertainments, except for walks on the island and admiring the sea sunsets, it is worth noting craft courses on the manufacture of classic zhmunskok mats. You can both take part in the work itself, and just buy yourself a souvenir . Do not forget to taste the unusual radish ganhwa sunma and tea from the local ginseng.
It is worth noting that thousands of birds in the period of migration stop on Ganghwado Island for respite and replenishment. Ornithologists and tourists from all over the world come here to watch this beautiful spectacle. But for beach rest it is not necessary to count: the sea here is dirty, with frequent outflows, which negatively affects the quality of the coast of the island. In addition, the proximity of the northern neighbor imposes its own regime of visiting the surf line and bathing.
Hotels and restaurants
Hotels on Ganghwad Island are of different levels: from 5-star comfortable establishments to 3-star, as well as economy-class mini-hotels. The rooms are provided not only in the depths of the island, but also on the coast near attractions, especially from the south-west side of the island. Experienced travelers recommend paying attention to Ganghwa Tomato Pension, Hotel Everrich and Moonlight spring Pensions.
As for restaurants and cafes where you can have a tasty snack and relax, the main menu of Korean and Japanese cuisines , an abundance of seafood, pubs and taverns, as well as fast food establishments are on Ganghwad. Let's note, that not everywhere it is necessary to count on operative Korean service: on an island a rhythm and a way of life not such fast, as in Seoul . The best reviews were gathered by such catering establishments as Square sky, Dokasikdang, J'st Coffee and Chicken collection.
How to get to Ganghwado Island?
Many tourists come to the island of dolmens straight from Seoul - only 60 km to the north-west along the road. This distance along the main road No. 48 can be overcome both by intercity bus, which leaves every 10 minutes, either by car or taxi.
If you prefer to fly by plane, you can pick up a flight to Incheon International Airport , and from there use the shuttle service.