SPOT1 Gogu Reservoir

A summer lotus hotspot

Begin your journey through Gyodongdo Island at Gogu Reservoir, where breathtaking lotus blossoms bloom at the height of summer.

From July through August, the reservoir is blanketed with lotus flowers, transforming the landscape into a sea of soft pink.

Source: Ganghwa-gun Official Tourism Blog

For the most spectacular views, visit early in the morning, when the blossoms glisten with dew in the gentle morning light.

As beautiful as the scenery is in photographs, its true charm is best experienced in person. Take a moment to soak in this unforgettable summer landscape with your own eyes.

• Address73, Gogu-ri, Gyodong-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
• HoursOpen year-round
• AdmissionFree
• Websitehttps://www.ganghwa.go.kr/open_content/tour/tour/tourInfoDetail.do?tour_seq=276
• TIPEnjoy fishing and open-field camping during your visit.

SPOT2 Daepung Restaurant

Gyodongdo's iconic Century-Old Restaurant

After your stroll around Gogu Reservoir,
it's time to recharge with a hearty meal.

Daepung Restaurant is well known as a filming location for the popular Korean variety show 2 Days & 1 Night. Officially recognized as a "Century-Old Store" by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, it has also been featured in Sikgaek (Gourmet) and the Blue Ribbon Survey, making it one of Gyodongdo's most celebrated local restaurants.

Enjoy generous portions of Hwanghae-style gukbap (rice soup) and naengmyeon (cold noodles) at reasonable prices. Choose from offal, beef, or a half-and-half combination to suit your taste.

The homemade turnip kimchi and napa cabbage kimchi are especially unique. Their simple yet deeply comforting flavors evoke the warmth of a home-cooked meal, bringing back memories of your grandmother's cooking.

• Address24, Daeryongan-gil 54beon-gil, Gyodong-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
• HoursThursday–Monday, 11:00–18:30 (Closed on Wednesdays)
• PriceGukbap KRW 9,000 / Naengmyeon KRW 10,000
• Inquiries032-932-4030
• TIPFor convenient access, park at the Gyodong Swallow House/Farmers Market parking lot (about a 3-minute walk).

SPOT3 Daeryong Market

Discover retro charm and delicious street food.

After lunch, make your way to Daeryong Market,
one of Gyodongdo's must-visit attractions.

The market was established by refugees who fled their hometowns during the Korean War and longed for the streets of Yeonbaek County in Hwanghae Province. Even today, its narrow alleyways preserve the sights, atmosphere, and memories of that time.

As you wander through the market, you'll discover old-fashioned coffee shops, stationery stores, barbershops, and other nostalgic spaces that capture the charm of Korea's past.

With its authentic retro atmosphere—now increasingly hard to find—Daeryong Market has also become a popular photo spot among younger travelers.

No visit is complete without sampling the market's signature street food, including hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes) and Korean-style corn dogs.

• Address462-1, Daeryong-ri, Gyodong-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
• HoursVary by store
• Inquiries032-930-4500
• TIPRecommend taking your time to explore every alleyway.

SPOT4 Songhwa Chips

A trendy café known for drinks served in sesame oil bottles

Take a break from the summer sun at Songhwa Chips, a café known for its creative concept and trendy atmosphere.

Located at the entrance to Daeryong Market, the café serves rich milk tea, matcha, and other beverages in distinctive sesame oil bottles labeled "Gyodong." This unique presentation has made it a popular photo spot and a favorite for sharing on social media.

Even after you've finished your drink, the bottle makes a memorable souvenir from your trip to Gyodongdo, making it especially popular with younger travelers who enjoy collecting unique keepsakes.

The café is also well known for its handmade potato chips, which make the perfect gift or souvenir to bring home from your Gyodongdo adventure.

• Address17-1, Gyodongnam-ro, Gyodong-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
• HoursDaily, 10:00–18:30
• PriceOriginal Potato Chips – KRW 6,000 per bag / Drinks – KRW 5,500 each
• Inquiries0507-1393-3489
• Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/songhwa_chips
• TIPIf you won't be drinking your beverage right away, choose the takeaway option with an ice pack.

SPOT5 Hwagae Garden

Enjoy spectacular views stretching all the way to North Korea

No trip to Gyodongdo Island is complete without a visit to Hwagae Garden, the perfect place to wrap up your journey.

Nestled on the northern slopes of Hwagaesan Mountain, Hwagae Garden comes alive in every season with colorful flowers and lush trees, creating a vibrant garden landscape.

For an even more enjoyable visit, hop aboard the local monorail, which offers scenic views of the garden as it takes you comfortably to Hwagaesan Observatory at the summit.

From the observatory, you can enjoy sweeping views of Gyodongdo Island—and on clear days, even see across to the Yeonbaek Plain in North Korea. It is one of the few places where you can truly appreciate Gyodongdo’s unique location and character.

• Address6-58, Gyodongdong-ro 471beon-gil, Gyodong-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
• HoursWeekdays 8:00–19:00 / Weekends 8:00–20:00
• AdmissionHwagae Garden (including observatory) – KRW 5,000 / Monorail round trip – KRW 14,000
• Inquiries032-930-3151
• Websitehttps://www.ganghwa.go.kr/hwagae/
• TIPExpect longer wait times for the monorail on weekends and holidays.

If you're exploring without a car, consider taking the Gyodongdo City Tour Bus, which operates every Saturday.

From Hwagae Garden to Daeryong Market, the bus conveniently connects Gyodongdo's most popular attractions, allowing you to explore at your own pace within the tour schedule.

This summer, escape to Gyodongdo Island—a place rich in history, warm stories, and lasting memories—and enjoy a truly unforgettable getaway.

🚍 Reserve the City Tour Bus
https://mirihae.com/itoct