Ganghwa Island

Ganghwa Island (강화도, 江華島 Ganghwado), previously romanized as Kanghwa Island, is a rural county (군, gun) of Incheon, South Korea. It is the fourth largest island in South Korea, with an area of 302.6km2. During the Goryeo Dynasty, it served as a temporary capital for 39 years during the Mongol Empire's invasion. The county of Ganghwa includes several other islands, most notably Seokmodo, the site of Bomunsa Temple.

Understand
Ganghwa is separated from the Korean mainland by a narrow channel, spanned by two bridges passable by cars. North Korea is directly across the channel on the north coast of the island. Since North Korea is across the Han River (the border), tension is felt in the northern part of Ganghwa Island. In fact, even from Ganghwa Bridge, the gateway to Ganghwa Island, you can see the mountains of Gaepung-gun, old Kaesong-si, in the distance. Ganghwado Island was a symbol of exile. Many people were sent to Ganghwa Island when they sent figures who were dangerous to keep alive but had a lot of political burdens to kill. After the Japanese Invasion and the Horan, it was designated as Ganghwa Yushubu and was one of the military important points to defend the outer areas of Hanyang. In the Joseon Dynasty, it was said that the importance of Ganghwa Island was the same as the 'heart of the country'.

By bus
There are frequent direct buses (W4200; 90 min) from Seoul's Sinchon Bus Terminal to the main town of Ganghwa-eup, as well as Bupyeong Station, Hapjeong Station, Songjeong Station, and Incheon Bus Terminal in Incheon. Local buses also connect to Gimpo (the city, not the airport).

Get around
There is a tourist information located inside the bus terminal. No English is spoken but they have English-language tourist maps. There is also a tourist information center at the ferry terminal in Oepo-ri. They speak English.

Local buses appear to be infrequent.

See

 * Jeondeungsa Temple
 * Jeondeungsa Temple
 * Jeondeungsa Temple

Buy
Ganghwa Ginseng and Hwamunseok, which is a mat woven with flower patterns a representative traditional Korean product, with its intricate handwork and designs.

Sleep
There are several motels and yeogwan in Oepo-ri.