[Attraction in Ganghwado Island] A Quiet Temple - Jeokseoksa

 Jeokseoksa Temple

Jeokseoksa Temple is located at the western side of Goryeosan Mountain in Ganghwado. The history of this place began during the reign of King Jangsu of Goguryeo, but it is less popular than the Jeondeungsa Temple at Gilsang-myeon or Bomunsa Temple at Seongmodo Island. In this post, we will introduce to you the Jeokseoksa Temple, a hidden attraction of Ganghwado Island.

Just like most of the other temples, Jeokseoksa Temple is located at the foot of a high mountain so you need to climb uphill for some time. Just when you feel that you're out of breathe, you will see the thick greenery view right in front of your eyes. Since Goryeosan Mountain is a famous place to visit in Spring, this green scenery could be unfamiliar to many people.

Jeokseoksa Temple is one of the 17 courses of the Ganghwa Nadeu-gil, called the Dolmen Trail. If you like to join walking tour, you can also walk this course when you visit this lace.

Rails are installed along the way to the top for safety purpose, and it is full of green vines along the way, The scenery of summer under colorful dancheong (Korean traditional pattern design) gets rid of your tiredness right away.

According to the records, there is a mysterious story about a Buddhist priest who found five lotus flowers bloomed at the peak of the Goryeosan Mountain while searching for a place to build a temple in Ganghwado. The flower petals blown by the wind and fell at five places namely, Cheongryeonsa Temple, Baekryeonsa Temple, Heukryeonsa Temple, Gwagryeonsa Temple and Jeokryeonsa Temple.  Jeokryeonsa Temple is called the Jeokseoksa Temple now.

Jeokseoksa Temple area has Daeungjeon Hall being at the center, Beomjongru Bell Pavilion, Jongmuso, Gwaneum Cave, Suseondang, Sansingak, etc. When you turn your head around at this small temple, you will see that this temple blends well with the foot of Goryeosan Mountain. It is indeed quiet and still place.

Next to Daeungjeon Hall is a well called Gamrojeong. It is said that the water will become dry or muddy if there is a problem with the country. The small Gamrojeong pond also has some goldfishes that swim around freely.

The gentle breeze blowing towards Goryeosan Mountain and hit the wind-bell that makes a clear sound and deep echoes. Let's pause and listen to the sound of the surrounding. Your mind will become calm and peaceful.

After leaving Jeokseoksa Temple, you can take a walk along the stone steps leading to Nakjodae Botajeon. However, you need to watch out because the stairs are very steep.

Nakjo Peak behind the Botajeon is even greener. If you turn around and move towards Nakjodae, you can enjoy beautiful scenery of Ganghwa right in front of you. At first glance, many people are amazed at the scenery that looks like the beautiful scenery of Hallyeosudo on the south coast. Actually, Nakseoksa Temple is one of the top three sunset spots in Korea. When the sunset turns red in winter, the view is so beautiful.

An outing to Jeokseoksa Temple, a quiet temple in Ganghwado Island on the green, Summer day. We hope you will enjoy the exquisite harmony of the mountain birds and the leaves shaking in the wind in the beautiful temple far away from the busy city.

[Information about Jeokseoksa Temple]

1. Getting There: At AREX Geomam Station, take bus #90  ▶ Get off at Ganghwa Bus Terminal, take bus #49 ▶ Get off at Jeokseoksa Entrance, walk 28 mins

2. Address: 181 Yeonchon-gil, Naega-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

3.Contact Number: 032-932-6191

[Recommended Cafe in Ganghwa Island] Cafe Talkraphy and Cafe Daruzi

Let's put the coffee aside, and go for refreshing Ade with spectacular nature view in Ganghwa Island! In this post, we are going to recommend 2 cafes in Ganghwa Island.

#1 Cafe Talkraphy 

First of all, we want to introduce Cafe Talkraphy (토크라피), a cafe that is really difficult to find empty seats during the weekend.

The arch door at the white building presents a unique atmosphere. Please note that smoking is prohibited in the cafe, pets are not allowed, and outside food is not allowed in the cafe too.

When you open the door and enter the cafe, you will be able to smell the aroma of coffee. At Cafe Talkraphy, you have to, first, order at the counter when you enter the cafe.

After we have ordered our drinks at the counter, we went to choose the bakery. Cafe Talkraphy is famous for their yummylicious bakery so it is difficult to choose the bakery that we want to try. All the bread are mouthwatering! In addition, it is also very popular due to its interior and the amazing ocean view from the cafe.

The maroon table and chair, and the white wall present a vintage atmosphere in the cafe. Even the arched doorway itself is enough to create a unique atmosphere here. The attic space here is cute and romantic.

Cafe Talkraphy is a cafe with beautiful sea view of east coast of Ganghwa Island, so the window seats are really popular and more preferred by people. However, no matter where you sit, you will be able to feel the special atmosphere here.

It is recommended to try the purple Lavender Ade when you visit Cafe Talkraphy. It looks so attractive with the pretty color and the lavender scent.

You may also try Mugwort Latte, which is one of the popular drinks in Ganghwa Island, at Cafe Talkraphy. There are sweet red beans in Mugwort Latte, so remember to stir it before drinking it. This drink is available in hot and iced.

We bought the appetizing pistachio croissant filled with sugar powder, and sweet apple pie. The green cream on top of the croissant is pistachio that blends together with sugar powder, creating a sweet and light taste. It goes well with the drink. The apple pie is topped with sweet apple jam on top of the crispy pastry. It is so delicious that we could even eat 2 of the apple pies!

The outdoor seat under the tree with the view of Dongmak beach, is one of the popular seats in this cafe. The cool breeze from Dongmak breeza and the shades under tree forms a good picture. You can even take many nice pictures here with the sea as your background.

[Information about Talkraphy]

 

1. Getting there : At AREX Geomam Station, take bus #700  ▶ Get off at Onsu-ri stop, and take Bus #3 ▶ Get off at Haeoreum Minbak and walk 8 mins

 2. Address : 43-12 Haeannam-ro 1691beon-gil, Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Inheon

 3. Opening hours : 10:00 - 21:00 daily

 4. Off days : none  (opens all year round)

 5. Contact : +82-70-7607-1691

 6. Price : Mugwort lLate KRW 7,000 / Lavender Ade KRW 7,000 / Pistachio Croissant KRW 6,000 / Apple Pie KRW 3,000

#2 Cafe Daruzi 

You will surely be attracted to the beautiful Mediterranean-style garden when you enter this cafe. This place reminds us of Tasha Tudor's beautiful garden, where she walked barefoot in the beautiful garden and lived close to nature.

Since 1st July 2020, the cafe is operating as no-children zone where children aged 3 to 13 are not allowed in the cafe. Since the cafe is garden-themed, children may run around and get hurt. However, we shall respect the owner's decision.

This cafe is warm and cozy. The furniture blends well with the decoration and interior. It makes you feel so relaxed to just sit down and enjoy a drink.

The cafe uses only the specialty coffee and the dough of all the confectionery food is made directly at this cafe. Cafe Daruzi offers various types of seasonal cake and bread.

Since it was a warm day with sunshine and cool breeze on the day we visited, we took the seat under the tree. If you prefers other drinks than coffee, it is recommended to try the fresh and sweet Omija (Five flavor berry) Ade.

Besides that, we also ordered the sweet chocolate pound cake. It is filled with chocolate inside and outside, and it just melts inside our mouth.

Ready to enjoy flowers and trees while taking a sip of good coffee at this beautiful cafe? Visit Cafe Daruzi in Ganghwa Island when you come to Korea! You will definitely have a great relaxing time in this garden.

[Information about Cafe Daruzi]

 1.  Getting there : Get off at AREX Geomam Station, take bus #700-1  ▶  Get off at Seondu 1-ri stop, and walk 12 mins

 2. Address : 254-36 Manisan-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

 3. Opening hours :  09:00 - 19:00 daily

 4. Contact : +82-32-937-0323

 5. Price Information : Americano KRW 6,000 / Omija Ade KRW 8,000 / Choco Pound KRW 4,000

*Note: To prevent the spread of COVID-19, please remember to keep 2m social distancing, wash hands frequently, obey cough etiquettes and wear a mask. Stay safe, everyone.

[Walking Course in Incheon] Ganghwa Old Town Tour

This is the best season to go for a walking tour. In this post, we are going to recommend a walking course in Ganghwa Old Town, from South Gate of Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress to North Gate of Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress.

1. South Gate of Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress

The South Gate of Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress was one of the four gates connected to the inner part of the fortress and it is called Anparu. Ganghwa Island is still full of history since the olden days and you can learn about the cultural properties wherever you go, including the South Gate of Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress.

2. Sogeumbit Bookstore (소금빛서점) & Yurim Trading (유림상회)

Not far away, there is an independent bookstore called Sogeumbit Bookstore (소금빛서점) and a pottery store called Yurim Trading, which are run by a married couple. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is compulsory to wear a mask if you wish to enter the shop. Besides that, they have prepared hand sanitizer at the entrance so you may use it when needed.

This bookstore is small but well-decorated and mainly consists of books related to Ganghwa Island. In addition, you can also buy books written by the bookstore owner here. Recently, this bookstore also has become popular because it is one of the K-drama filming locations.

Yurim Trading is a Polish pottery store located right opposite the bookstore. The pottery that has pictures with European vibes is quite cute.

3. Sochang Experience Hall 

We continue walking and arrived at the Sochang Experience Hall.

Sochang Experience Hall is a Hanok house and dyeing factory bulit in 1938, and was remodeled in 2016 to be a place where visitors can join various experience activities such as weaving and traditional tea. In addition, you can also get a glimpse of the successful textile industry in Ganghwa. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is not possible for you to join the experience activities for now.

4. Yongheunggung Palace & Ganghwa Anglican Church

Yongheunggung Palace 

Ganghwa Anglican Church

Ganghwa Anglican Church is facing Yongheunggang Palace, the residence of King Cheoljong before his ascension to throne. Due to the COVID-19 situation, it is currently closed. To fulfil your satisfaction, you may take some photos from outside and enjoy the exterior.​

5. Yongheunggung Palace Park

As part of the project to find old appearance, Yongheunggung Palace Park, which was under construction last spring, was transformed into a resting place for visitors. There is a wide lawn with the parking lot and walkway, which makes you feel peaceful when you are at this place. You can also spot the Ganghwa Anglican Church at the end of lawn.

6. Goryeo Palace Site

Goryeo Palace is a 39-year-old palace from 19th year of King Gojong's reign to 11th year of King Wonjong where the Goryeo people resisted against Mongolian invasion. Currently, this site is also closed temporarily due to COVID-19. In fact, many of the tourist attractions in Ganghwa Island is closed temporarily to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We walk around in Ganghwa Island enjoying the autumn leaves that were changing color, and really hope that the site was opened during our visit.

7. North Gate of Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress

Last stop is the North Gate of Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress. The road along the North Gate is filled with green trees, creating a nice scenery.

The cooling weather during day time makes this a nice season for walking tour. Once COVID-19 situation has become better, let us visit Ganghwa Island and take a walk in the Old Town to learn about the hidden history and culture.

[Information about Ganghwa Old Town Tour]

1. Getting there: At AREX Geomam Station Take Bus #90 ▶ Get off at Ganghwa Hospital, walk 10 mins

2. Address: Namsan-ri, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

3. Recommended walking course:

South Gate of Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress → Sogeumbit Bookstore (소금빛서점) & Yurim Trading (유림상회) →  Sochang Experience Hall →  Yongheunggung Palace & Ganghwa Anglican Church → Yongheunggung Palace Garden  →  Goryeo Palace Site  →  North Gate of Ganghwa Sanseong Fortress