Incheon Shore Excursion DMZ Culture Tour with Private Pickup

The Ganghwa Peace Observatory is located on the northernmost point of Ganghwa Island. It is a popular attraction for both North Korean refugees and tourists, offering a close-up view of North Korean life from the closest distance from South Korea. Built north of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), this four-story observatory was designed as a cultural and tourism space to promote the restoration of national identity and to establish a foundation for peaceful reunification. The observatory is 2.3km from the MDL to Samdal-ri, Daeseong-myeon, Kaepung County, North Hwanghae Province. The Yesong River flows across the coast, and to the left lies the vast Yeonbaek Plain, encompassing Yeonan County and Baekchon County in Hwanghae Province. To the right, Kaepung County offers views of North Korean life, a camouflaged propaganda village, the Kaesong Transmission and Communication Tower, and Mount Songak. Due to its proximity to the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), an ID card is required.

Established in 1933, Joyang Textile, the first rayon factory in Ganghwa, fell into ruin as Ganghwa Textiles declined. The once-ugly, crumbling building was reborn as a grand café. The crumbling walls have been transformed into a stunning art gallery and movie theater; long workbenches have been replaced with coffee tables, and the space, now empty of machines and people, is filled with antiques from around the world. The over 990-square-meter factory site and the building's original structure remain intact, leaving a lasting impression on the café.

The Sochang Experience Center, housed in a hanok (traditional Korean house) built in 1938 and renovated in 2016, is located on the former site of the Pyeonghwa Textiles dyeing factory. This space preserves the cultural heritage and re-examines the value of Sochang, a traditional industry in Ganghwa County. Visitors can learn about the history of Ganghwa's textile industry, from Hwamunseok to its final destination, Sochang. The center also offers regular activities, such as the Sochang Handkerchief Stamp Experience, tea ceremony, and Sochang weaving demonstrations, allowing visitors to fully experience Sochang through all five senses.