Ganghwa Anglican Church

Overview

Ganghwa Anglican Church is a unique architectural fusion built in 1900 by Bishop Charles John Corfe, combining the form of a Korean Buddhist temple with the liturgical plan of a Western basilica. The wooden structure sits amid a quiet village on Ganghwa Island and is designated Historic Site No. 424.

Highlights

• Hybrid Architecture: Curved Korean dancheong eaves sit atop a nave-and-apse floor plan; stained glass fills traditional lattice windows.
• Interior Woodwork: Hand-carved pine pillars and ceiling beams in the Korean temple style.
• Peaceful Grounds: A small graveyard and garden shaded by century-old zelkova trees.

History

Bishop Corfe arrived in Korea in 1890 with the Anglican mission. Unable to import Western building materials, he commissioned Korean craftsmen to build a church in the only idiom they knew — temple architecture. The result is Korea's earliest example of inculturation architecture.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The church is still an active parish; visit outside of Sunday service times for a quieter experience.
• Tip 2: Photography is allowed inside but please keep voices low.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.