Incheon is geographically close to North Korea, and you can observe the regions of North Korea and the lives of the people. The Gyodonggyo bridge is only 2.6 km away from North Korea, and it’s often visited by those who have been separated and miss their hometowns. There is also an observatory for holding ancestral rites for the purpose of mental comfort.

Ganghwa Peace Observatory

Located in the far north of Ganghwado Island, Ganghwa Peace Observatory is ideal for observing the North Korean territories across the 2.3 km wide sea. You can write a wish in the Unification Wish Room and walk outside to find the ‘Longing for Geumgang Mountain’ memorial stone and outdoor Mangbaedan. This area is open all year for separated families who left their hometowns, and these families will now be able to perform a memorial ceremony for their ancestors while facing their old hometowns.
*Personal identification is required as this area is beyond the Civilian Access Control Line.
*Admission fee: Adults - KRW 2,500, Youths and soldiers: KRW 1.700, Children: KRW 1,000 (ticket sales close one hour prior to closing)

Yeonmijeong Pavilion

Yeonmijeong Pavilion is located at the point where the Imjingang River and Hangang River join. It was named after a swallowtail because the waterway to the western sea and Incheon looks like the tail of a swallow. This area has been known to have the most astonishing scenery at the mouth of the Han River, and it’s also well-known as a place for dalmaji*. The peace treaty was signed here during the First Manchu Invasion of Korea (1627), and visitors will be reminded of this painful history.
*Moon-viewing

Gyodong Observatory

Many refugees who escaped Hwanghae-do and couldn't return home during the Korean War still reside in Gyodongdo Island. Gyodong Observatory was built in 1988 to console those who were separated and could not visit their hometowns, although it is geographically adjacent to Hwanhae-do. Visitors can look at the landscape of Hwanghae-do in North Korea and the lifestyle of the residents.

Gyodong Swallow House

Gyodong, a Civilian Control Line area that is accessible only after passing an inspection, has a tourist platform near Daeryong Market that has integrated the latest ICT technology. This area offers tourist information and various experiences. It is called ‘Traffic Swallow House’ because of the many swallows that reside there. Tourists can issue the Gyodong newspaper themselves and even make a virtual peace bridge from Gyodong to Yeonbaek-gun.

Simcheong-Gag, Baengnyeongdo Island

Baengnyeondo Island is the background setting for the classic Korean novel ‘Tale of Simcheong.’ You can find Indangsu where Simcheong drowned herself in the sea to open her father’s eyes, and Yeongbong Rocks where Simcheon reincarnated. Simcheong-Gag was built on a location that looks down at Indangsu and Yeonbong Rocks to honor Simcheong. The reincarnation scene of Simcheon, pansori*, films, and old books about the Tale of Simcheong are also exhibited for those who have been separated and are longing for their hometowns.

Dumujin Cliffs

Located on the northwest of Baengnyeongdo Island, Dumujin Cliffs is designated as Scenic Site No. 8 for quartzite cliffs of 50 meters in height carved by waves and winds for years. It is formed along the 4-kilometer coastline. The shape looks like two generals putting their heads together. As you climb up the ridge along the coastal gravel road, you may find the unification wish stone. This stone was built by the soldiers of the ROKMC 6th Marine Brigade in 1992 with hopes of unification. ‘A road to unification’ is written on the stone.

Manghyang Observatory, Yeonpyeongdo Island

Being located close to the NLL (Northern Limit Line), Yeonpyeongdo Island has experienced many conflicts between the navies of South Korea and North Korea. In Manghyang Park on the top of the northeastern hill of Yeongpyeongdo Island, there is Mangyangbi, a place for those who have been separated and are yearning for their hometowns. On a nice day, you can even see smoke coming out of the Haeju cement factory in Hwanghae-do, North Korea from Manghang Park.