Ganghwa Island

Ganghwa Island is an island in the estuary of the Han River, on the west coast of South Korea. About 65,500 people live on the island. With an area of 302.4 km², it constitutes most of Ganghwa-gun, a division of Incheon metropolitan city. The island's highest point is Mani-san, 469 meters above sea level.

Related Topics:
Han River - South Korea - Km² - Ganghwa-gun - Incheon - Sea level

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ganghwa Island is separated from Gimpo, on the mainland, by a narrow channel, which is spanned by several bridges. The main channel of the Han River separates the island from Kaesong in North Korea.

Related Topics:
Gimpo - Kaesong - North Korea

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Because of its strategic position in the mouth of the Han River, Ganghwa Island has often played a key role in historical events. In the 9th century, Unified Silla established a garrison on the island to combat piracy.{{ref|lee1}} The commander Wanggeon established his military reputation at the garrison, later going on to found the kingdom of Goryeo.{{ref|lee2}} In the 13th century, the court of Goryeo took refuge on the island as Mongol forces invaded.{{ref|lee3}} After Goryeo capitulated to the Mongols, the elite forces on the island rose up, beginning the Sambyeolcho Rebellion.{{ref|lee4}} During the Manchu invasion of 1636, the Joseon court sought to follow the Goryeo example, but the royal refugees were captured by the invaders.{{ref|lee5}}

Related Topics:
9th century - Unified Silla - Wanggeon - Goryeo - 13th century - Mongol - Sambyeolcho Rebellion - 1636 - Joseon

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the 19th century, as outside powers sought to enter Korea by sea, Ganghwa became a point of contact rather than a refuge. A punitive expedition by the French Navy was driven back from the island in 1866,{{ref|lee6}} and in 1875 Japanese forces attacked the Joseon garrison on the island.{{ref|lee7}} Early the following year, the Treaty of Kanghwa was concluded. That agreement, concluded on Ganghwa Island, officially opened Korea to Japanese trade for the first time.

Related Topics:
19th century - 1866 - 1875 - Treaty of Kanghwa

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Numerous historical sites are maintained on the island. Gachon Medical School is also located there.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~