Jeongsa Temple

A thousand-year-old temple to visit with your kids, Jeongsusa in Ganghwa

History and origins of Jeongsusa

• Jeongsusa is a historic temple located on the eastern slope of Manisan in Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon.
• It was first established in 639, the 8th year of Queen Seondeok of Silla, by Monk Hoejeong, who believed this was a suitable place for spiritual practice. Later, in 1426, the 8th year of King Sejong of Joseon, Monk Hamheo rebuilt the temple and named it Jeongsusa, meaning "Temple of Pure Water," after seeing clear spring water rising from the west.
• For many years, it has been cherished as a place for Buddhist practice and prayers for the peace of the local community.

Main highlights of Jeongsusa

• Jeongsusa Beopdang, Daeungbojeon Hall
  • This outstanding wooden building preserves the architectural style of the early Joseon period and is designated as Treasure No. 161 of Korea.
  • Its traditional beauty stands out in features such as the simple gabled roof, the Jusimpo bracket style, and the entrance doors decorated with floral latticework.
  • Inside, you will find a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, along with beautiful floral patterns and traditional Buddhist paintings.
• Samseonggak and Obaengnahanjeon
  • There is Samseonggak, dedicated to the mountain spirit of Manisan, and Obaengnahanjeon, which houses 500 arhat statues with a wide variety of expressions and poses.
  • It can be a special experience to count the statues with your kids and observe each figure's unique expression.
• Stupa of Monk Hamheo and the zelkova tree
  • If you take a short walk along the path around the temple, you can find the stupa of Monk Hamheo.
  • The huge zelkova tree that is over 300 years old helps children feel the grandeur of nature.
• Clear spring water and nature
  • True to its name, the clean spring water is one of the symbols of Jeongsusa.
  • With the fresh mountain air, you can fully enjoy nature through seasonal flowers, trees, and rocky scenery.

Recommended activities with your kids

1. In front of Daeungbojeon Hall at Jeongsusa, explain the structure of a traditional temple and enjoy a cultural heritage experience.
2. Walk around the old tree and the stupa to appreciate the value of nature and history.
3. Take a stroll along the path, listen to the sound of the stream, and explore the surrounding forest depending on the season.
4. Observe the many different Buddhist statues in Obaengnahanjeon.
5. You can also plan it as part of a full-day outing with nearby spots such as the hiking trails of Manisan, Dongmak Beach, and Bunori Dondae.

Visitor tips and notes

• This is a small and peaceful temple located in Ganghwa-gun.
• There is a parking lot right in front, and parking is free.
• The temple has a quiet and reverent atmosphere, so please observe proper manners when visiting with your kids.
• It is connected to the Manisan hiking trail, so a light walk or short trek is also possible.
• The temple itself is modest in size, so you can usually look around in about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• The scenery is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season.

Why Jeongsusa is a great place to visit with your kids

• It is a space where the calm atmosphere of a thousand-year-old temple blends beautifully with wonderful natural surroundings.
• Children can naturally experience history and culture here, which helps spark their curiosity.
• It is an ideal place to enjoy relaxation and learning in nature while making family memories together.

Fees and programs

• Free