Ganghwa Coastal Loop Drive: Chojinjin, Gwangseongbo, Dongmak Beach, Janghwa-ri

The Ganghwa Coastal Loop Road (Provincial Route 70) is a route planned to circle the island along the coast of Ganghwa Main Island. The planned total length is approximately 81 km; however, as of October 2026, two sections remain unfinished: the western Hwangcheong-ri to Changhu-ri (6.7 km) and the northern Inhwari to Cheolsan-ri (11.2 km) (Ganghwa-gun 2026-04-17 Press Release). Therefore, rather than a "full circle," this guide outlines a one-day course along the already connected eastern and southern coasts to view historical sites and the sea.

Recommended Route: Chojinjin → Gwangseongbo → Dongmak Beach → Janghwa-ri

1. Chojinjin (Gilsang-myeon) — Located at the southeastern tip of Ganghwa, just after crossing the Chojin Bridge. This is the site of battles during the Sinmi Yangyo (1871) and the Unyo-ho Incident (1875). Cannons from that era are displayed inside the restored Chojin Fort. Look for shell marks on the fortress walls and pine trees. Free admission from July 1, 2021; open 09:00–18:00.
2. Gwangseongbo (Bul-eun-myeon) — Head north from Chojinjin along the coast. Built in 1658 (9th year of King Hyojong), this coastal defense fortress was the site of the fiercest battles during the Sinmi Yangyo. Passing through the fortress gate and the watchtower, the Gwangseong Fort, Sondolmok Fort, and Yongdu Fort stretch along the coastline. The Sinmi Sunui Chong (Memorial of the Sinmi Martyrs) and Sangchung Bigak (Memorial Hall for the Two Loyalists) honor the fallen soldiers. It is a considerable walk to Yongdu Fort along the coast, so allow ample time. Admission: 1,500 KRW; open 09:00–18:00.
3. Dongmak Beach (Hwado-myeon) — Head south from Gwangseongbo to the southern tip of the island. It features a sandy beach, pine forests, and wide tidal flats exposed at low tide. If you climb to the Bunori Fort at the eastern end of the beach, you can see the entire tidal flat. Parking: 2,000 KRW. The campground and showers are open only in summer.
4. Janghwa-ri Sunset Viewing Point (Hwado-myeon) — Head west from Dongmak along the coastal road to a small viewing platform at the end of a rice paddy path. Since the sun sets directly into the sea here, it is best saved for the end of the day. Check the sunset time for your visit date and arrive 30 minutes beforehand.

All four locations are connected by the eastern and southern coastal roads, so there is no need to backtrack. However, since the two historical sites require significant walking time, you should start at Chojinjin in the morning to make it to the sunset at Janghwa-ri.

Seasonal Tips

• Spring and Autumn: Ideal for strolling around Gwangseongbo Fortress and walking along Dongmak Beach. Gwangseongbo is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage.
• Summer: The Dongmak Beach Campground (July 3–October 31, 2026) and shower facilities (July 25–September 27) are open. The beach parking lot fills up quickly.
• Winter: The coastal road has strong winds and icy sections. Since sunset comes early in winter, plan to arrive at Janghwa-ri earlier.
• The Chungjangsa Shrine at Gwangseongbo hosts the Gwangseong Festival every early June to honor the martyrs of the Shinmi Yangyo (1866 French invasion of Korea) (June 9, 2026, marking the 155th anniversary — Ganghwa-gun Press Release). Parking is difficult on the day of the event.

Who Is This Route For?

This route suits families interested in history, those who want to drive along the coast, and photographers looking to capture sunsets. Since there is walking distance at two historical sites, if you are traveling with infants in strollers or companions with mobility issues, you can simply view the area near Anhaeru at Gwangseongbo Fortress and return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drive a full loop around Ganghwa Island via the Coastal Circular Road? A: Not yet. According to the Ganghwa-gun press release from April 17, 2026, two sections remain unopened: Hwangcheong-ri to Hajeop-myeon Changhu-ri (6.7 km) and Insa-myeon Inhwa-ri to Cheolsan-ri (11.2 km). To connect the western and northern parts, you must return via inland roads. Ganghwa-gun has stated that it will first conduct a feasibility study for the Hwangcheong–Changhu section.

Q: What are the admission fees for Gwangseongbo Fortress and Chojijin Fortress? A: Gwangseongbo Fortress charges 1,500 KRW for adults and 1,100 KRW for children, teenagers, and military personnel (1,400 KRW for groups of 20+ adults; 1,000 KRW for groups of 20+ children/teenagers/military). Chojijin Fortress and Deokjinjin Fortress have been free since July 1, 2021 (Ganghwa-gun Admission Fee Guide).

Q: How do I camp at Dongmak Beach? A: The campground operates seasonally. In 2026, it is open from July 3 to October 31. Rates are 25,000 KRW for a one-night, two-day stay on a deck site and 20,000 KRW for a tent site. Note that the shower and changing facilities operate from July 25 to September 27, so check both schedules carefully.

Verified Information (as of 2026-10-22)

Place	Address	Operating Hours	Closed Days	Fees	Phone
Ganghwa Coastal Loop Road	Around the coast of Ganghwa Main Island (Metropolitan Route 70, planned length approx. 81km)	Open for traffic on opened sections. Unopened: Hwangcheong-ri to Changhu-ri 6.7km, Inhwari to Cheolsan-ri 11.2km	-	Free	-
Gwangseongbo	27, Haean-dong-ro 466beon-gil, Bul-eun-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon (Deokseong-ri 833)	09:00~18:00	Open year-round	Adults 1,500 KRW, Children/Youth/Soldiers 1,100 KRW. Groups (20+ people) Adults 1,400 KRW, Children/Youth/Soldiers 1,000 KRW (Effective 2024.1.1)	032-930-7070
Chojijin	58, Haean-dong-ro, Gil-sang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon	09:00~18:00	Open year-round	Free (Since July 1, 2021)	032-930-3124 (Ganghwa-gun Tourism Division)
Dongmak Beach	1481, Haean-nam-ro, Hwa-do-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon	Beach open year-round. Campsite: July 3, 2026 – October 31, 2026 (10:00 same day to 10:00 next day), Shower/Changing rooms: July 25 – September 27	Open year-round	Beach free. Parking lot 2,000 KRW. Campsite deck 25,000 KRW/night (2,500 KRW/hour), Tent site 20,000 KRW/night (2,000 KRW/hour). Paid rest area 3,000 KRW for up to 4 hours. Shower/Changing rooms Adults 3,000 KRW, Children 2,000 KRW	032-937-4445
[Janghwa-ri Sunset Viewing Spot](https://itour.incheon.go.kr/ssst/ssst/detail.do?cotId=APD2111

1. | 1408, Janghwa-ri, Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon Metropolitan City | Open 24 hours | Open year-round | Free | - |

Information is subject to change, so please check the official website again before visiting.

This article was edited by the operator based on official sources, starting from an AI draft. The photos are actual shots from Wikimedia Commons, with the photographer and license credited.