Jeondeungsa temple complex in Incheon's Ganghwa-gun elevated to national natural heritage site

The Jeondeungsa temple complex on Joksan Mountain in Ganghwa-gun — one of Incheon's most celebrated historical and natural landmarks — has been elevated to nationally designated natural heritage status, securing a framework for systematic government support and preservation.

The Incheon Metropolitan Government announced Thursday that 15 parcels of land within the Jeondeungsa temple grounds in Onsu-ri, Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, totaling 154,370.2 square meters, will be officially designated a "myeongseung," or scenic site of national natural heritage, effective Friday.

The designation recognizes the area's outstanding scenic value, shaped by the distinctive topography of Joksan Mountain, the Samnangsong Fortress built along its natural terrain, Jeondeungsa temple and the Joksan Royal Archive nestled within the mountain landscape, and the surrounding ancient trees and historic pathways.

The move establishes a management framework that goes beyond preserving individual cultural assets to encompass the integrated stewardship of natural and historical landscapes.

The designation process began in January, when the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) requested nominations of outstanding candidate sites, prompting Incheon city, Ganghwa-gun and Jeondeungsa temple to jointly submit the area as a candidate.

The site then underwent a rigorous review, including field investigations and deliberations by the National Heritage Committee, before receiving final approval.

Officials have highlighted the designation as an example of "benign regulation reform" — one that imposes no new burdens on local residents.

Because the entire designated zone already falls within the boundaries of the historically protected Samnangsong Fortress site and existing historical and cultural environment preservation zones, landowners and residents face no additional restrictions or regulatory obligations.

The administrative and fiscal benefits, however, are substantial. Under the Act on the Conservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage, future projects — including restoration work, landscape improvements and disaster prevention infrastructure — will be eligible for national government funding of up to 70 percent of project costs.

Incheon city and Ganghwa-gun will thus be able to pursue sustainable heritage preservation policies while significantly easing the burden on local finances.

Incheon city plans to move quickly on submitting additional applications for national heritage restoration funding in November.

Secured funds are expected to be directed toward trail maintenance, improvements to visitor facilities and the construction of disaster prevention infrastructure in and around the Jeondeungsa temple area on Joksan Mountain.