[One Day Walk] From Goryeo Royal Tombs to Dolmens: 'Ganghwa Nadeulgil Course 5'

Hongneung, Osang-ri Dolmen Cluster, Gotchang Gutdang, etc.
Total 20.2Km Course

Course 5 of Ganghwa Nadeulgil is a path that crosses Ganghwa from east to west. Starting from Ganghwa Bus Terminal, it continues through Gukhwa Reservoir, Hongneung, Osang-ri Dolmen Cluster, Naega Market, Deoksan Forest Bathing Area, Gotchang Gutdang, Mangyang Fortress, and ends at Oepo Passenger Terminal, covering a total distance of 20.2 km. The estimated time is 6 hours and 40 minutes, and the difficulty level is classified as 'medium.'

First, after passing through the South Gate and West Gate in order from Ganghwa Bus Terminal, you will reach Gukhwa Reservoir. Entering the forest, you can see lush trees and charming wildflowers blooming on both sides of the trail.

Continuing to walk, you can see Hongneung located within the Gukhwa-ri Youth Camping Site. Hongneung is the tomb of King Gojong, the 23rd ruler of the Goryeo Dynasty (reigned 1213?1259). During his reign, there were frequent invasions by northern tribes, causing many difficulties. In particular, when the Mongols invaded in 1231, he moved the capital to Ganghwa and resisted for 28 years. To repel the invasions with the power of Buddha, the Tripitaka Koreana was carved in Ganghwa over 16 years. In 1259, the crown prince (later King Wonjong) went to the Mongols to express Ganghwa's intentions, and the fortress under siege was dismantled. When King Gojong died in June of the same year, he was buried in Ganghwa, which is Hongneung.

On Ganghwa Nadeulgil Course 5, there is also the Osang-ri Dolmen Cluster, where several large and small dolmens are gathered. Dolmens, a representative burial style of the Bronze Age, are generally classified into three types: northern style, southern style, and capstone style. The Osang-ri Dolmen Cluster has a total of 12 dolmens, all of which are northern style dolmens. In addition, dolmens can be seen in various places such as Gocheon-ri Dolmen, allowing you to travel back to prehistoric times. Passing Naega Reservoir, if you are lucky, you can also encounter Naega Market.

After passing Deoksan Forest Bathing Area, you will see Gotchang Gutdang. This is a village ritual held every three years for three days in Oepo-ri. Mainly, residents of Jeongpo Village, who engage in fishing, and Daejeong Village, who farm, join forces to host the ritual honoring Deukje General for the village’s peace and prosperity of their livelihoods.

After passing Mangyang Fortress, the course ends upon arrival at Oepo Passenger Terminal.