Ganghwa Island is itself a vast historic andcultural heritage site. During the 1866 Byeongin Persecution, this locationbecame directly connected to the French campaign in Korea (병인양요).The French fleet landed here in retaliation for the execution of nine Frenchmissionaries and temporarily occupied the Ganghwa Fortress and MunsusanFortress. Although the French forces eventually withdrew, severe persecutionfollowed throughout Ganghwa.

On the white sand shore visible from the GabwotShrine, many Catholics were martyred. Later, during the 1871 U.S. expedition (신미양요),local believers — including Woo Yun-jip, Choi Sun-bok, and Park Sang-son — wereexecuted at Gabgotjin for the alleged crime of having had contact with Americansoldiers.

Pilgrimage reservationsavailable; retreat house on site.