5 Best Sights in Ganghwa Island, Side Trips from Seoul

Despite the island's history of invasions, not all of Ganghwa's interactions with foreigners have been violent. The sublime Ganghwa Anglican Church was built in a beautifully harmonized Western-Korean style (displaying both a hanok exterior and Western basilica interior) at the turn of the 20th century by British missionaries and a Korean architect who helped rebuild Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace in the late 19th century.

At the northern tip of Ganghwa Island, this observatory and military complex lets you peer across the water into North Korea with the use of high-powered binoculars. Aside from the peeping and lovely natural landscape, you can also read up on the history of Korea at the center's several exhibits.

For something really off the beaten path, visit Gyodong Island, a tiny island just across the river from North Korea and attached via bridge to Ganghwa Island. Settled by refugees from nearby parts of North Korea after the Korean War, the place is essentially a time machine back to the 1960s, with its retro market, alleyways, shops and Korean-style tearooms. Bring your ID with you, though—South Korean marines will hold on to it when you enter Gyodong Island, issuing you a pass that you turn in when you leave.

Another highlight of Ganghwa-do is this beautiful Buddhist temple, with its outstanding collection of Joseon-era buildings, including its 17th-century main hall. The temple participates in Temple Stay, a cultural program that allows you to stay over and experience chanting, meditation, and teatime.

Climbing 1,540 feet above Ganghwa Island, Manisan is one of Korea's most sacred mountains. Dangun, the legendary founder of Korea, is said to have performed sacrificial rites to the heavens from near its peak. The site where he performed those rites is now marked by an ancient stone altar, the Chamseongdan, where memorial rites are held every October.