Jeondeungsa Temple, Ganghwado: Peaceful Island Templestay in Incheon

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1. Jeondeungsa Temple, Ganghwado Location

The unusually long and hot weather has finally started to give way to hints of autumn breeze.

I recently went on an outing to Jeondeungsa Temple in Ganghwado with my brother's family who live in Incheon.

Jeondeungsa Temple is a thousand-year-old historic temple on Ganghwado Island in Incheon, brimming with a rich history.

It's a wonderful place to walk and chat while listening to the clear, gentle sounds of wind chimes.

The serene and tranquil atmosphere of the temple left a deep impression, making it a memorable spot for an Incheon outing.

It's also well-known as a location for Incheon Templestays.

I'll be sharing all the exciting details about Jeondeungsa Temple's Templestay,

its location, and the breathtaking scenery.

2. Jeondeungsa Temple, Ganghwado Location and History

Jeondeungsa Temple was founded in 381 CE, the 11th year of King Sosurim of Goguryeo, by the monk Ado Hwasang.

It was originally called 'Jinjongsa.'

Later, during the Goryeo Dynasty, Queen Jeonghwa, King Chungnyeol's consort, enshrined the Tripitaka from the Song Dynasty here and donated an jade lamp.

It's said that the temple was then renamed 'Jeondeungsa (傳燈寺),' meaning 'the temple where the lamp of Buddha's teachings is passed down,' to symbolize the transmission of the dharma's light.

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Address

37-41 Jeondeungsa-ro, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon

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Admission Fee

Free from May 4, 2023

Open year-round, always accessible

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Parking Fee

Small vehicle ~$2

Large vehicle ~$6

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Visitor Hours

Summer Season (March-October) 08:30 - 18:00

Winter Season (November-February) 08:30 - 17:30

The temple is surrounded by the lush Jeongjoksanseong Fortress walking trail, making it a fantastic spot for a walk during your Incheon outing.

Various events are held each season, and you'll find other historic attractions in the southern part of Incheon's Ganghwado nearby, such as the ancient Chojijin Fortress and Goseongbo Fortress.

Plus, with Dongmak Beach, famous for its West Sea tidal flat sunsets, and Ganghwa Luge,

it's perfect to combine them into a one-day family outing that blends history and fun!

Within the temple grounds, there's also Jukrim Dawon, a historic traditional teahouse nestled in the forest,

making it a wonderful spot for a quiet cup of tea.

Jeondeungsa Temple, a historic temple on Ganghwado, boasts numerous cultural heritage treasures,

including National Treasure No. 178 Daeungbojeon Hall, National Treasure No. 179 Yaksajeon Hall,

National Treasure No. 393 Chinese Bronze Bell,

National Treasure No. 1785 Wooden Seated Triad Buddhas,

and National Treasure No. 1908 Wooden Printing Blocks of the Lotus Sutra.

There are also many fascinating legends associated with this place, which can be a delightful way to share stories with children.

Among them, one of the most famous is the legend of the Naked Woman Statue (Nabusang) in Daeungbojeon Hall.

The legend goes that during the Goryeo Dynasty, the master carpenter in charge of building Daeungbojeon Hall fell in love with a woman from a tavern beneath the temple.

The carpenter entrusted all his earnings to her, promising to live together once the work was finished.

However, the woman betrayed him, took all the money, and fled in the middle of the night.

Overwhelmed by betrayal and sorrow, the master carpenter carved the woman's figure and placed it under the eaves of the roof as a symbol for her to reflect on her misdeeds while listening to the Buddhist scriptures.

What's more, within the temple grounds, there are two colossal

ginkgo trees, each over 500 years old.

A fascinating legend is also told about these ginkgo trees.

During the reign of King Cheoljong of Joseon, a corrupt official tried to seize the temple's assets

by demanding an absurd amount of ginkgo nuts be offered to the government office every year.

Unable to endure this anymore, Seunim (monk) Baeknyeonsu invited Seunim Chusong, who was renowned for his powerful magic,

and they offered prayers beneath the ginkgo trees for three days.

On the final day of their prayers, as the monks chanted incantations, lightning struck from the sky,

accompanied by a fierce storm. It is said that ever since then, these ginkgo trees

have never borne fruit.

3. Jeondeungsa Temple Stay

My brother's family, who lives in Incheon,

was curious about experiencing a temple stay in Incheon.

So, while we were there, we explored the area

and gathered some information about it.

Jeondeungsa Temple Stay is a highly popular program,

thanks to its excellent accessibility from the Seoul Metropolitan Area and its ideal location

for rest and rejuvenation amidst the historical temple and lush natural forest.

Temple stays generally come in two main types:

the 'Relaxation Type' and the 'Experiential Type.'

The Relaxation Type, as the name suggests,

focuses on rest and provides a flexible program for your stay.

You participate in basic temple activities like morning/evening chanting and meals,

but the rest of your time is free to enjoy as you wish.

The Experiential Type offers a slightly more packed schedule with various programs

that change from time to time, such as tea ceremonies with a monk, making lotus lanterns,

or crafting prayer beads. It's said to be very popular

even among participants with children!

You can check the schedule and make reservations

on Jeondeungsa Temple's official website.

They are even accepting temple stay reservations

for the Chuseok holiday period, so it might be a wonderful time to visit!

Please note that on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 10 AM,

a joint Chuseok ancestral memorial service will also be held at Museoljeon Hall for a participation fee of ~$73.

The 2026 Samrangseong Historic Culture Flea Market will also be held:

1st Session

October 3 (Sat) - 5 (Mon)

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

2nd Session

October 9 (Fri) - 11 (Sun)

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Since the flea market will also be taking place

in the open space within Jeondeungsa Temple, if you're planning a trip to Ganghwado Island, Incheon,

for the autumn foliage, it would be great to time your visit with these event dates!

4. Concluding Our Ganghwado Jeondeungsa Temple Outing

I've shared with you the captivating scenery of our Incheon outing to Ganghwado Island's temple,

filled with tranquil landscapes shaped by centuries and intriguing legends.

Just walking along the lush forest path of this thousand-year-old temple,

chatting softly with my child, felt like all the hustle and bustle of daily life simply washed away.

I hope you get to savor the upcoming scent of autumn at this Ganghwado temple,

a perfect place to find peace of mind. If you have the time, experiencing an Incheon temple stay

alongside your visit would be fantastic.

Regardless of my religion, I find myself experiencing temple stays from time to time,

and it truly offers a healing escape into nature.