Ganwolam HermitageClaimed by the owner

Ganwolam is a small hermitage on Ganwoldo, in Buseok-myeon. It was founded in the early Joseon dynasty by the monk Muhak and later rebuilt by the monk Song Manggong. At low tide the hermitage connects to the mainland; at high tide the water rises around it and it appears to float.

Tidal Island Setting

Unlike most hermitages, Ganwolam's accessibility changes with the tide. When the tide is out, visitors can walk across to the site on the connected ground. When the tide comes in, the surrounding water cuts it off and the hermitage sits alone, giving the impression of a structure floating on the sea.

Oyster Festival

Ganwoldo is known for its oysters, and each year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month a festival called Gulbureugunwangje is held at high tide in front of the Eoriguljeot Monument in Ganwoldo-ri, to pray for a good oyster harvest. Women who have observed a period of clean living take part wearing white clothing (sobok), dancing from the entrance of the village to the oyster tower, where offerings are set out for the ceremony. Oysters gathered for the event are given to visitors to taste.