Jeondeungsa Temple

A Thousand-Year-Old Temple Trip with Your Child, Jeondeungsa

About Jeondeungsa

Jeondeungsa is a temple located halfway up Jeongjoksan Mountain at 37-41 Jeondeungsa-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon. It is known as one of the oldest temples in Korea, with a history said to date back to 381, when it was founded by the monk Ado during the reign of King Sosurim of Goguryeo. It is often counted among the oldest surviving temples in Korea. It was originally called Jinjongsa, but during the Goryeo period, Queen Jeonghwa donated Buddhist scriptures and a jade lamp, and the temple's name was changed to Jeondeungsa.

Main Highlights and Cultural Heritage

• Located inside Samnangseong Fortress (Jeongjoksanseong Fortress)
  Jeondeungsa was built on an ancient earthen fortress site, where you can enjoy the beautiful harmony of the mountain fortress known as Samnangseong and the surrounding nature.
• Daeungjeon Hall (Treasure No. 178)
  Rebuilt in 1621, Daeungjeon Hall is highly valued in both architectural and art history for its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere.
• A history of storing the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty
  Important royal records, the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, were once kept here for a period of time.
• Various halls and artifacts
  With many buildings such as Daeungbojeon, Yaksajeon, Myeongbujeon, Samseonggak, and Hyangnojeon, along with a temple bell and old cultural relics, this is a great place for kids to experience traditional culture.

Experiencing Nature and History

• Jeondeungsa is popular as a walking destination in every season thanks to the beautiful scenery of Jeongjoksan Mountain.
• It is also famous for autumn foliage, and you can walk with your child in nature while seeing fortress walls, old trees, and even animal friends such as cats.
• It is a wonderful place to tell your kids stories about Ganghwado's unique culture, Buddhist history, and the beliefs and daily lives of people from long ago.

Visitor Information and Tips

1. Admission is free.
2. Paid parking is available nearby, making it easy for families to visit.
   • Small vehicles: 2,000 won
   • Large vehicles: 8,000 won
   • Onsuri Public Parking Lot: 2,000 won
3. Around the entrance and along the walking paths, you will find shops, restaurants, and stores selling Buddhist items, so there is plenty to explore.
4. A temple stay program also runs here, so you can enjoy a short break and a meditation experience.

Helpful Tips for Visitors

• We recommend using the Jeondeungsa South Gate Parking Lot, where you can enter the temple grounds along a gentler route.
• There is also a cafe inside Jeondeungsa.
• For the prettiest fall colors, visit in late October to early November.
• The grounds are very spacious, so it usually does not feel crowded and it is nice for taking photos in a peaceful setting.
• On the way up to Jeondeungsa, vendors sell snacks such as roasted chestnuts, roasted sweet potatoes, and garaetteok. Only bank transfer and cash are accepted, and card payment is not available.
• A cart-like vehicle travels along the route, so if you are visiting with seniors or young children, you can be picked up partway and ride to Jeondeungsa.
• Since the path uphill has stones in some areas, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• There is a diaper changing table in the restroom next to the cafe.

Why It Is Great to Visit with Kids

• With its long history and legends, stories of Dangun mythology, and the Mongol invasions, it offers a fun and engaging history outing.
• The Samnangseong walking trail and the beautiful temple scenery naturally spark children's curiosity.
• In every season, you can take photos in differently colored natural landscapes while helping your kids experience and learn about traditional culture firsthand.

Summary

"Jeondeungsa is one of Ganghwado's representative temples and is a great choice for a family outing with history, culture, and nature all in one place. Enjoy a special day with your child at Jeondeungsa, where a thousand years of history still live on."