Ganghwa Jeondeungsa Temple

Jeondeungsa Temple is the oldest among existing Korean temples, serving as the fundamental sanctuary of patriotic Buddhism that protected the nation through the Buddha's grace, preserving its history and authority. As recorded in the *Sejong Sillok Jiriji* (Geographical Appendix to the Annals of King Sejong), Samnangseong was an ancient earthen fortress built by Dangun with his three sons (Samnang), and during the Three Kingdoms period, a stone fortress was erected on the site of the earthen fortress, continuing to the present day. Jeondeungsa Temple is said to have been founded in 381 AD (the 11th year of King Sosurim of Goguryeo). The founder of Jeondeungsa Temple was the monk Ado, who came from the Qin dynasty. At that time, Monk Ado is known to have spread Buddhism to the land of Silla via Ganghwado Island. While Monk Ado stayed on Ganghwado Island, he built a temple at the current site of Jeondeungsa Temple, originally named 'Jinjongsa Temple' (眞宗寺). Later, the Goryeo royal family built a detached palace inside Samnangseong and greatly expanded Jinjongsa Temple. After 16 years, during the reign of King Chungnyeol, Queen Jeonghwagungju donated scriptures and a jade lantern to Jinjongsa Temple, leading to the temple's name being changed to 'Jeondeungsa Temple' (meaning 'Lantern Temple'). Subsequently, in 1614 during the reign of King Gwanghaegun of Joseon, all buildings were destroyed by fire, but reconstruction began under the leadership of Monk Jigyeong, and by February 1621, the former appearance of Jeondeungsa Temple was restored. Jeondeungsa Temple houses Korean treasures such as Daeungjeon Hall, Yaksajeon Hall, and the Bronze Bell, and within the grounds is Jeongjoksago, where the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty were stored. Additionally, near the East Gate stands the Yang Heon-su Victory Monument, which proves that Jeondeungsa Temple was the epicenter of patriotic Buddhism. It was erected in 1873, the 10th year of King Gojong's reign, to commemorate the achievements of General Yang Heon-su, who repelled the French forces that invaded Jeondeungsa Temple, a strategic stronghold during the Byeonginyangyo (French Campaign against Korea, 1866), and saved the nation from crisis. Experience programs include Templestay, divided into Day-type, Experience-type, and Rest-type. The Day-type is designed for those with limited time to experience Korean Buddhist culture. The Experience-type offers slightly different programs depending on the season or the characteristics of the participants at each temple. The Rest-type, as the name suggests, is a program that allows participants to stay at the temple and rest their tired body and mind for a while. Address: 37-41 Jeondeungsa-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea