[One Day Walk] Shall We Follow the Mudflat? 'Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Course 20'

Bunori Dondae, Passing Dongmak Seawater Bathing Area
Total Distance of 23.5km Leading to the Mudflat Observatory

Course 20 of Ganghwa Nadeulgil is a total distance of 23.5km connecting Course 7 (Hwado Public Parking Lot~Mudflat Center) and Course 8 (Bunori Dondae~Chojijin). It starts from Bunori Dondae and passes through Dongmak Beach, Miru Dondae, Mudflat Center, Bukilgok Dondae, and sunset viewing spots. When the tide is low, you can step into the mudflats, and the sunset viewed from Bunori Dondae is considered a must-see spectacle when visiting Ganghwa Island.

First, Bunori Dondae, where the course begins, catches the eye with its unique appearance among Ganghwa’s dondae. A dondae is a small-scale observation and defense facility built along the coast or border areas. Bunori Dondae is one of the 48 dondae built in 1679, and unlike most which are circular or rectangular, it is characterized by its crescent shape. This place is also famous as a sunset spot. Travelers eager to capture memories with photos flock here to see the red sun setting into the sea and the S-shaped tidal channels gradually dyed a delicate amber by the sunset glow. Not only the sunset but also the sunrise views are outstanding, so if you stay overnight in Ganghwa, it would be good to move here before dawn to watch the sunrise.

Bunori Dondae is located at Dongmak Beach, which is also an essential place not to miss on a Ganghwa trip. Dongmak Beach offers swimming during high tide, and at low tide, visitors can observe mudflat creatures such as fiddler crabs, sea snails, and ragworms, making it popular among family travelers. It is the only beach on the main island of Ganghwa, with a pine forest behind the white sandy shore, perfect for camping and resting. Ganghwa Island’s mudflats are considered one of the world’s top five mudflats alongside the east coast of Canada, the east coast of the United States and the North Sea coast, and the Amazon River basin. If you encounter low tide while walking this course, it’s a great opportunity to step onto the mudflats.

Continuing the walk, you will come across Miru Dondae. Miru Dondae is located at the end of a long protruding coastline on a mountain peak. It has a circular structure with four gun emplacements installed. Afterward, passing through the embankment road, you will reach Bukilgok Dondae, Ilmanbogil, and Naeri Cathedral, finishing the course at Hwado Public Parking Lot.