Ganghwa Special: Hanok Anglican Churches

Of course who would miss the Anglican churches of Ganghwa Island. This is another feature that the island could offer to its visitors. I never imagined churches mainly of western influence not just on beliefs, practices but also on the architecture. But these Anglican churches in Ganghwa Island, are inspired by a Korean traditional house architecture called Hanok. As you can see in  the pictures we took during the trip, it's truly amazing how the fusion of "modern" and traditional elements works so well in Korea.

My friend Ben who is from UK, was the one who really wanted to see this unique collision of modern and traditional elements being expressed through the church structure. We went to Ganghwa Anglican Church although there are still 2 other churches I guess.

One of my favorite blogs, The Marmot's Hole, here in Korea mentioned about these churches. The blog said 

 "Also known as Saints Peter and Paul Anglican Church, Ganghwa Anglican Church first opened in 1893. King Gojong — looking to score points with the British, I’m told — lent the missionaries a palace woodcutter who had participated in the 1867 reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The result was a splendid church marrying royal palace, Buddhist and Western architectural elements. The layout of the church ground, with its gates and bell pavilion, is quite similar to the layout of a Korean Buddhist temple. The dancheong, roof spines and gargoyles recall Korean official buildings such as one might see at one of Seoul’s royal palaces. The interior, meanwhile, is a hanok interpretation of the Western basilica."

 Other Anglican churces in Ganghwa Island are Ganghwa Onsuri Anglican Church and Seodo Central Methodist Church. Please click this link for more detailed information about the island's Anglican churches.  http://www.rjkoehler.com/2008/03/03/hanok-anglican-churches-of-ganghwa-island-and-jeondeungsa-too/