Ganghwa Dolmen Site

Overview

The Ganghwa Dolmen Site is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed cluster of prehistoric megalithic burial monuments scattered across the northern part of Ganghwa Island. Korea contains roughly 40% of the world's dolmens, and this site includes some of the peninsula's most impressive examples, dating from 1000–300 BCE.

Highlights

• Bugeun-ri Dolmen: The largest capstone on the island, estimated to weigh over 50 tonnes.
• Open-air Walking Trail: A 2-kilometre path links the main dolmen clusters through rice paddies and forest.
• Dolmen Museum: On-site exhibition explaining dolmen typology, Bronze Age culture, and excavation findings.

History

Ganghwa's dolmens were erected during the Korean Bronze Age as burial markers for chieftains and elite members. They were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 alongside dolmen sites in Gochang and Hwasun.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Free entry; the trail is wheelchair-accessible between the main clusters.
• Tip 2: Combine with a visit to the nearby Ganghwa History Museum for deeper context.
• Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour.