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 Fortress 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 the temple was 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 staying on Ganghwado Island, Monk Ado built a temple on the current site of Jeondeungsa, which was then named 'Jinjongsa Temple.' Later, the Goryeo royal family built a detached palace within Samnangseong Fortress and greatly renovated Jinjongsa Temple. Sixteen years later, during the reign of King Chungnyeol, Queen Jeonghwagungju donated Buddhist 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 temple regained its former appearance.