02 Feb 2020
This was my second trip with Miae at Top Korea Tour. Three years ago she took me on a city tour of Seoul. I had so much fun and learned so much that I reached out again on my next visit to the area.
This time we traveled 1-1/2 hours outside of Seoul to historic Gangwha Island. We visited Gwangseongbo Fortress, built in the 17th century to protect Korea from foreign invasion, and Jeondeungsa Buddhist Temple dating back to the 4th century. Our lunch was a delicious traditional Korean barbeque.
After lunch we visited the Gangwha Peace Observatory where we could look across the Han River through telescopes to the farms and mountains of North Korea.
From the observatory we proceeded to the popular Joyang Bangjik Coffee shop built on a former factory site and retaining much of the original decor. We visited the Ganghwa Anglican Cathedral combining traditional Korean architecture with Anglican Christian interior.
We walked through the Pungmul Traditional Market offering locally grown foods such as turnips, sweet potatoes, and fish along with handcrafts.
Then we returned to Seoul. Pickup and dropoff service was provided to my hotel.
Miae is an excellent tour guide. She is very knowledgeable, upbeat, friendly, and fun. Top Korea Tour is highly recommended.