Day Trip to Ganghwado Island: A Guide to Must-Visit Spots Near Seoul
Ganghwado Island is a region steeped in history, with various historical and cultural sites dating from the prehistoric era to the Joseon Dynasty. Beyond its historical landmarks, the island offers a variety of experiences and tourist attractions, making it an ideal day trip destination from Seoul and the Greater Seoul Area. It's a great place to visit with friends, partners, and family. By referring to this guide, you can create a fulfilling itinerary tailored to your travel companions.
Jeondeungsa Temple
Jeondeungsa is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Korea, founded in 381 AD during the Goguryeo Kingdom. It holds six of Korea's national treasures and is highly valued for its historical significance. Exploring this serene temple is also an educational experience for children, offering valuable insights into Korean history.
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| Jeondeungsa Temple |
Jeondeungsa is also well-known as the location for a temple stay on the popular Korean TV show "Welcome, First Time in Korea?". The temple stay program offers both experiential and relaxation-focused options, allowing visitors to participate in various ways. You can apply and book your temple stay on the Jeondeungsa website.
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| Jeondeungsa Temple |
Jeondeungsa Temple Information
- Parking Fee: Large vehicles KRW 8,000 (USD 6.50), Small vehicles KRW 2,000 (USD 1.60)
- Admission Fee: Free
Hamheodongcheon Campground
Hamheodongcheon Campground is located in the Manisan Mountain valley, and many visitors come here to enjoy playing in the stream during the summer. The site consists of four campgrounds. The first campground, where electricity is available, requires an online reservation. The other campgrounds can be used on a first-come, first-served basis without a prior reservation. Basic cooking is possible, making it a great spot for a day picnic even if you're not planning to stay overnight.
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| Hamheodongcheon Campground |
Tips for Using Hamheodongcheon Campground
- Sites 1-22 and 39-47 in the first campground are relatively flat.
- Sites 39-47 are closer to the entrance, which makes it convenient for unloading gear. However, since it's near the entrance, it can be a bit noisy and less private.
- Sites 41 and 42 are located next to a stream, making them a perfect spot for water activities with children.
- The 2nd to 4th campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. Electricity is not available here. You will need to pay a fee to set up a sunshade or tarp, but using only a picnic mat is free.
Dongmak Beach
The mudflats around Dongmak Beach are considered one of the world's most valuable mudflats, recognized for their vast size and ecological importance as a habitat for diverse organisms. Dongmak Beach is an excellent place for children to experience the mudflats, and the soft, sandy shoreline is perfect for sand play. If you're visiting with children, it's best to check the tide schedule beforehand to ensure the water has receded enough for mudflat activities. You'll also find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores nearby for your convenience.
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| Dongmak Beach |
Tips for Parking at Dongmak Beach
- If you can find a spot, it's best to use the roadside parking lot, which costs KRW 2,000 (USD 1.60) for a full day.
- The roadside parking areas at both ends of the beach are generally less crowded.
- If the roadside parking is full, you can use the parking lots of cafes at either end of the beach, as they tend to be quieter. However, this means you'll have a short walk to the center of the beach.
Baramsoop Picture Book Library
Baramsoop Picture Book Library operates on a 100% reservation system and is an excellent place to visit with infants and preschoolers. The library is filled with various picture books and props, offering an engaging visual experience for children. You can read and relax while enjoying the peaceful view of the mountains and rice paddies from the window, making it a perfect spot for a quiet time with your child. The book cafe next door offers pizzas, pastas, salads, bread, and drinks, so you can also enjoy a simple meal.
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| Baramsoop Picture Book Library |
Baramsoop Picture Book Library Information
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Admission Fee: KRW 5,000 (USD 4.00)
Frienzoo Land
Frienzoo Land is a small zoo, perfect for visiting with kids who love animals. Here, you can enjoy feeding the animals and have a chance to interact with various creatures. You can even try touching a snake. The outdoor area is home to alpacas, goats, sheep, and pigs, which children can feed directly. At the end of the tour, there's a small unmanned convenience store where you can buy instant noodles and snacks. Its small size makes it a great, low-pressure place to visit.
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| Frienzoo Land |
Frienzoo Land Information
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays (except public holidays)
- Admission Fee: Adults KRW 8,000 (USD 6.50), Children KRW 9,000 (USD 7.30) (Free for children under 24 months)
- Animal Feed Prices: Vegetable Basket KRW 3,000 (USD 2.40), Mealworms KRW 2,000 (USD 1.60)
Okto-Ggi Space Center
Okto-Ggi Space Center is a theme park dedicated to aerospace science, where children can easily learn about and experience space science. The park's outdoor area includes a floating river pool for boat rides, which becomes a swimming pool in the summer. There are also many other outdoor facilities, such as Dinosaur Forest, Galaxy River Pool, Four-Seasons Sledding Slope, Water Gun Park, Robot Park, and Rabbit Castle, providing enough fun for a full day with the kids.
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| Okto-Ggi Space Center |
Okto-Ggi Space Center Information
- Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM / Weekends and Public Holidays 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- Closed: Open all year round
- Admission Fee: Adults KRW 16,000 (USD 12.90), Children KRW 17,000 (USD 13.70), Infants (24-36 months) KRW 9,000 (USD 7.30)
Bomunsa Temple
Next to Bomunsa Temple's Geuknakbojeon Hall, there is a staircase of 420 steps. If you climb them, you can see a massive stone statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara carved into the rock face of the "Eyebrow Rock." Bomunsa is well-known as a place where prayers are answered, attracting many Buddhist devotees and tourists from all over Korea. Parents often visit to pray for their children's success during the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) season.
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| Bomunsa Temple |
Even if you're not a Buddhist, Bomunsa Temple is worth a visit for the stunning view of the West Sea. While the path up to the temple is steep, taking a moment to turn around and admire the breathtaking scenery makes the climb worthwhile.
Bomunsa Temple Information
- Parking Fee: KRW 2,000 (USD 1.60)
- Admission Fee: Adults KRW 2,000 (USD 1.60), Middle and High School Students KRW 1,500 (USD 1.20), Elementary School Students KRW 1,000 (USD 0.80)
Seokmodo Mineral Hot Springs
Seokmodo Mineral Hot Springs is conveniently located near Bomunsa Temple. It's famous for its warm spring water, which emerges from granite at 51°C (124°F). Rich in minerals, the water has a slightly cloudy appearance. The outdoor baths offer a serene experience, where you can relax while enjoying views of the sea and mountains, making it a perfect spot to unwind in nature.
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| Seokmodo Mineral Hot Springs |
Seokmodo Mineral Hot Springs Information
- Hours: Winter 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM / Summer 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Admission Fee: Adults KRW 9,000 (USD 7.30), Children KRW 6,000 (USD 4.80)
Ganghwa Luge (Ganghwa Seaside Resort)
Ganghwa Luge, located at Ganghwa Seaside Resort, boasts one of the longest luge tracks in Asia. It offers two distinct courses: the Valley Course, with long straightaways for a thrilling ride, and the Ocean Course, which has more curves and offers a panoramic view of the sea. Individuals over 65 years old are not allowed to ride the luge. For children, a solo ride is permitted if they are over 120cm tall and at least 10 years old. Children between 85cm and 120cm tall can ride with an adult, and a child's ticket must be purchased. The observation deck offers a 360-degree rotating view, with photo zones located throughout the resort.
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| Ganghwa Luge |
Ganghwa Luge Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Open all year round
- Admission Fee (3-ride pass recommended, discounts available for online booking)
- Luge & Cable Car 1-Ride Pass: KRW 19,000 (USD 15.40)
- Luge & Cable Car 2-Ride Pass: KRW 31,000 (USD 25.10)
- Luge & Cable Car 3-Ride Pass: KRW 38,000 (USD 30.70)
- Luge & Cable Car 5-Ride Pass: KRW 50,000 (USD 40.50)
- Child Co-rider Pass (includes cable car): KRW 7,000 (USD 5.70)
- Cable Car Only: KRW 17,000 (USD 13.70)
Ganghwa History Museum, Natural History Museum, and Dolmen Sites
The Ganghwa History Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Ganghwa Dolmen Sites can all be visited with a single parking fee. You can explore prehistoric artifacts at the Dolmen Sites and learn about history firsthand, while the Natural History Museum offers an engaging look at the formation of the solar system, various minerals, and living organisms, making it a valuable learning experience for children.
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| Ganghwa Dolmen Sites |
Ganghwa Dolmen Sites Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays
- Admission Fee:
- Adults: KRW 3,000 (USD 2.40)
- Military personnel, Youth, Children: KRW 2,000 (USD 1.60)
- Infants (under 36 months), Seniors (over 65): Free
Gyodongdo Daeryong Market
Daeryong Market on Gyodongdo Island is located within the Civilian Control Line, an area near the inter-Korean border where access is restricted. It's a traditional market that feels like time has stood still. With its various foods and alleys to explore, it's a great place to tell children about objects from the past and for older visitors to reminisce. Many shops are closed on weekdays, so it's best to visit on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
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| Daeryong Market |
Hwagae Garden
Hwagae Garden is a beautiful garden located on Gyodongdo Island, about a 5-minute drive from Daeryong Market. Situated on the highest mountain on Ganghwado, Hwagaesan Mountain, the park is composed of five themed sections. It also features a skywalk and an observation deck where you can enjoy thrilling views of the surrounding landscape.
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| Hwagae Garden |
Hwagae Garden Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Open all year round
- Admission Fee: Hwagae Garden KRW 5,000 (USD 4.00) / Monorail KRW 12,000 (USD 9.70)
Monorail Tips
- Online reservations are not available; tickets must be purchased on-site.
- The average wait time is about two hours, so it's best to visit either very early or late in the day.
- After purchasing your ticket, you can have a meal or explore the nearby Gyodong Market while you wait.
- The monorail has a capacity of nine people, seated three per row. The first row offers the best view.
Joyang Bangjik
Joyang Bangjik is the most famous cafe on Ganghwado, a former textile factory transformed into a massive bakery cafe. The spacious interior is filled with unique props and lighting, creating a distinct atmosphere. The garden is charmingly decorated and filled with retro items, making it feel like a small museum. These props are great for teaching children about the past. With visitor numbers not as high as they used to be, it's a perfect place to relax with kids on a weekend, enjoy some tea or snacks, and explore the unique space.
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| Joyang Bangjik |
- Parking is limited, so it's more convenient to use a nearby public parking lot.
- Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM / Weekends 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
This has been a guide to some of the best day trip destinations on Ganghwado Island. There are many other places to explore here as well. Located close to the Seoul metropolitan area, it's an appealing getaway spot that offers the charm of the countryside. Plan a drive to Ganghwado this weekend with your family or partner!