Let Go of All Your Stress on the Windy Path to Bomunsa Temple

Seokmodo, a small island lying just off the western coast of Ganghwado, has three mountains — Haemyeongsan, Sangbongsan, and Sangjusan — which gave rise to the name Samsan-myeon ('Three Mountains Township'). Bomunsa Temple sits between Sangbongsan and Haemyeongsan. A juniper tree roughly 600 years old stands in the temple courtyard, adding to the beautiful scenery. Nearby is Minmeoru Beach, known for its beautiful sunsets, where you can also try a tidal-flat experience.

Along the way

1. 1
   Seokmodo Island

   석모도

   A small island stretching along the western sea off Ganghwado, Seokmodo boasts a marvelous harmony of mountains, sea, fishing village, and island scenery. About an hour and a half's drive from central Seoul brings you to Oepo-ri Port at the western tip of the main Ganghwa island. From there, you need to cross a 1.5km stretch of sea by ferry to reach Seokpo-ri Pier on Seokmodo, on the other side.MoreLess

   

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2. 2
   Minmeoru Beach

   민머루해변

   This beach is located on Seokmodo, a small island stretching along the western sea off Ganghwado. With a sandy shore about 1km long, it's a great place for swimming and watching beautiful West Sea sunsets, and a tidal-flat experience is also possible. When the tide goes out, about 1km of tidal flat is exposed; the mud feels soft underfoot, and you can observe creatures that live there, such as clams and crabs. You can walk barefoot onto the flats, but since you may hurt your feet, it's best to bring rubber boots or spare shoes beforehand.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Lunch (Tongilho)

   점심식사(통일호)

   Located at Janggot Port (also called Janggunneo Port) on Seokmodo, Tongilho Restaurant is known for its wild-caught sashimi and seasonal dishes. Janggot Port is a small harbor on Seokmodo, home to a small cluster of sashimi restaurants mostly run by people who also fish from their own boats. Among them, Tongilho keeps diners happy year-round by changing its menu with the seasons.MoreLess

   

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4. 4
   Bomunsa Temple

   보문사

   On Seokmodo, in western Ganghwa-gun, there are three mountains — Haemyeongsan, Sangbongsan, and Sangjusan — from which the name Samsan-myeon derives. Bomunsa Temple sits between Sangbongsan and Haemyeongsan, and the spot where the temple itself stands is specifically called Nakgasan. As with most temples in Korea, the exact founding date and the legends surrounding its founding are not clearly recorded, but according to the 'Record of the Reconstruction of Bomunsa's Main Hall,' written by the eminent modern monk Seokjeon Park Han-yeong, the temple is said to have been founded in 635, the 4th year of Queen Seondeok of Silla, by the monk Hwajeong Daesa.MoreLess

   

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