Manisan Mountain

Manisan reaches 469 metres at the southern end of Ganghwa, and the climb from the ticket gate is short but steep - either a stone stairway of over nine hundred steps or a longer ridge path, both arriving at the same place. On the summit is Chamseongdan, a circular stone platform with a square altar on top, which by tradition was built by Dangun, the legendary founder of the first Korean kingdom, as a place to make offerings to heaven. The archaeology is uncertain and the present structure has been rebuilt repeatedly, most recently in the twentieth century, but the site has been used ceremonially for a very long time and rites are still performed here - the flame for the National Sports Festival is lit at this altar each year. The view runs over the Ganghwa flats, the estuary and the islands. Ganghwa itself is dense with dolmens, old temples and Joseon-era fortifications along its shore.

What's there

• Chamseongdan - the stone altar platform on the summit.
• The stairway - the nine-hundred-odd steps up.
• The estuary view - Ganghwa's flats and the islands.
• The ceremonial use - rites still held at the altar.

When to go

April to June and September to November. Mornings for clear views over the estuary; the summit is exposed and windy.

Practical notes

The stairway is relentless - it is the steepest short climb in the region. The altar is a rebuilt structure, not an excavated ancient one. Ganghwa is two hours from Seoul by bus with a change.

Nearby

Ganghwa's dolmen sites and Jeondeungsa temple are on the same island; Seokmodo is over the bridge.