3 Best Restaurants in Ganghwa Island, Side Trips from Seoul

A beautiful 80-year-old Korean home near Jeondeungsa Temple has been beautifully renovated as a cafe. The crooked wooden rafters that support the roof are especially beautiful, demonstrating the Korean preference to leave nature as it is. The drink menu features a wide range of espresso and latte variations, but also Korean teas such as jujube tea and chrysanthemum tea. There are plenty of charming retro decorations around the cafe, too.

While Ganghwa-do was always a popular destination for its historic sites, it was never considered hip—until Joyang Bangjik, that is. This abandoned textile factory from the early 20th century is now a cafe and bakery, albeit it one stuffed to the gills with so much retro paraphernalia it looks like an antique store. There's plenty of installation art to be seen, too. It's relatively quiet on weekdays, but Seoulites descend on the place on weekends. 

One of many grilled eel restaurants near the port of Deoreomi on the eastern coast of the island, Wonjo Seonchangjip has been serving fine grilled eel since 1979. You can grill the meat as is, or baste it with a tangy sauce; either way is delicious. Finish your meal with a bowl of noodles or a stone pot of rice. A shot or two of soju doesn't hurt the experience, either. The restaurant also enjoys pleasant views over the water.