Ganghwa County

Infobox Korean settlement
title = Ganghwa-gun
hangul = 강화군
hanja = 江華郡
rr = Ganghwa gun
mr = Kwanghwa kun
area_km2 = 411.2
divs = 1 eup, 13 myeon, 96 ri

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Ganghwa-gun is a county in Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea, where Ganghwa Island, as well the minor islands around it, is located.

History

Ganghwado, incorporated into Incheon metropolitan city from Gyounggido province in 1995, has been recognized as preserved most important history of peninsula from the prehistoric age to modern times. Relics and remains of prehistoric age, old stone age and new stone age were found of their various vestiges in Jangjeongni, Sagiri, Dongmagni and others respectively in the symbolic huge stone relics of bronze age, more than 80 dolmens were discovered in the vicinity of Bugeunni and neighbouring area, of which giant tombs revealed the existence of inhabitant there.

The major stage of Ganghwado history came around the late period of Goryeo dynasty. During the national conflict against Mongolian's invasion, the capital was transferred to Ganghwado from Gaeseong for the period of 1232 and 1270. With such vestiges of Goryeo palace site and fortress etc., Ganghwado was deemed a most appropriate refuge to keep themselves safely from the invasion of Mongolian forces. Especially, world widely recognized treasure; Palman daejanggyeong, 80,000 sheets of Buddah's scriptures (other name Jaejo daejanggyeong) could be possibly engraved during the invasion of 1236 through 1251. It is our significant surprise to learn those great cultural assets accomplished during the national suffering ages.

In the late of Joseon dynasty, a few incidents of the western power's invasion and Japan made the Ganghwado the most important military base to have the capital fully defended. First incident was Byeongin-yangyo outbreaking in 1866 between Joseon and France. Daewongun, the actual ruler and father of King Gojong , was a man of isolated national policy of which he executed a religious oppression over the catholic priesthood and believers that had actually caused the hostilities to be opened by France. The second one was Sinmi-yangyo occurred in 1871 of which American navy opened hostilities upon the Jeoseon's denial of their proposal for a trade port opening. The third one was the Japanese ship Unyomaru happened in 1875. This was an incidental clash between Joseon and Japan in the off shore of Ganghwado upon Jeoseon's refusal of Japan's demand for the trade port opening. For the compensation on the Unyomaru's incident, a treaty of amity was bilaterally concluded in Ganghwado. This is a historical event that Joseon initiated to adopt the open door policy toward the world. [Official page of Ganghwa county(eng) http://english.ganghwa.incheon.kr/02_ganghwado/020501.asp]

peciality

About 70% of citizens engage in farming and mainly rice. Also fishery and forestry.

Hwamunseok is the best items since Goryeo dynasty. Hwamunseok is kinds of traditional fancy matting of Korea. In Goryeo dynasty, it was exported to China and Japan. It was initiated from Goryeo ages and had developed to the home handicraft industry. Under the order given by the royal court of Joseon dynasty about 100 years ago, craftsman Han Chunggyo from the white mat producing village, Yango-ri, Haesongmyeon, Ganghwa-gun, achieved a successful product by the design of his own idea. Thereafter, various designes has been developed and manufacturing techniques improved up to the present time. [Official page of Ganghwa http://english.ganghwa.incheon.kr/06_product/060202.asp]

Ganghwado turnip is specially produced. Originated in the semi temperate zone of siberia and Europe and in our country it was brought in from China and cultivated from the age of three nations in about AD 5 century. This is recorded in the book of "Dongei-bogam oriental medicine." [ [http://english.ganghwa.incheon.kr/06_product/060101.asp Untitled Document ] ]

World Heritages

In Ganghwa county, dolmens are registered by UNESCO. In three regions of South Korea including Hwasoon and Gochang, Ganghwa's dolmens are famous sites to study ancient culture.

ister Cities

*flagicon|South Korea Gangnam, South Korea
*flagicon|Japan Soeda, Fukuoka

References

External links

* [http://www.ganghwa.incheon.kr Ganghwa-gun homepage]