Local Ganghwa Island Private Guided Tour(Optional layover)

If you’re tired of the typical tourist spots in Seoul, let’s head somewhere different. It’s a truly local area in Korea — full of history and authenticity. fortress where Korea and the United States fought in 1871 observatory for North Korea historic Catholic church in old Korean style dolmen site (UNESCO World Heritage) traditional market from the 1950s Making rice wine using local specialties Luge (length is 1.8km, 1.1miles) We can even get a real view of North Korea — it’s so close that you can actually see people moving there. This is a special experience you won’t get at the DMZ observatories. The highlight is definitely the market. It’s packed with locals, giving you a glimpse of how people live today — and how they lived back in the 1950s. As a clean, farm-rich island, the area is also famous for its rice and other local produce. If you’d like, we can even try making some ourselves! Let’s explore this hidden local gem together and truly feel the spirit of Korea.

Itinerary

1. This is the best place in South Korea to observe North Korea. Large group tours can’t come here because of the narrow roads, so it stays quiet and authentic. Unlike the DMZ observatories where you can hardly see any movement, here you can actually see people farming, walking, and even smoking. This is the real observation point of North Korea. (30 min)
2. This traditional market was opened by displaced people who fled from North Korea during the Korean War. They missed their hometown markets, so they recreated one here. Because it’s inside the Civilian Control Zone, it wasn’t modernized much — so it still keeps its authentic 1950s look and feel. (1h 0min)
3. In 1871, a battle took place here between Korea and the United States. It’s now a quiet historic site, but you can still feel the atmosphere of that time — the tension, the courage, and the reason why it happened. (1h 0min) Admission included
4. This is the first Catholic church built in a traditional Korean architectural style. It still keeps its original appearance. While enjoying the peaceful view, we’ll share the story of how Catholicism spread — and suffered — in Korea. (30 min)
5. Founded in 381, this is the oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Korea. It was also the site of battles between French forces and the Korean army. The wooden pillars of the main hall still bear the names of soldiers who prayed here for survival. Today, the temple is also known for its beautiful teahouse, offering a peaceful place to rest and reflect. (1h 0min)
6. If you visit too many historical sites, kids can start to get bored. Riding the luge is a great way to lift the mood. The 1.8 km (1.1 mile) track and the downhill course will definitely add some fun to your day. But it's optional. We need to skip one attraction for luge. (1h 0min)