Key takeaways
The Korean War destroyed nearly every building at Jingwansa, leaving only three structures standing: Nahanjeon Hall, Chilseonggak Shrine, and Dokseongjeon Hall. Fact Through the dedicated effort of the Buddhist nun Choi Jin-gwan, who became abbess in 1963, the temple's former layout was restored, giving rise to today's Daeungjeon (main hall), Myeongbujeon, and Hongjeru buildings, among others. Fact In 2013, Jingwansa's state-sponsored water-and-land rite was designated National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 126. Fact
What to look for on site
- The original buildings — Nahanjeon Hall and Chilseonggak Shrine — that survived the war
- Buildings newly constructed after 1963
- Exhibits and explanations related to the state-sponsored rite
Original, site-only, restored, or recreated?
- Original, survived since before the war: Nahanjeon Hall, Chilseonggak Shrine, and Dokseongjeon Hall — these escaped destruction even during the Korean War. Fact
- Restored: Daeungjeon, Myeongbujeon, and the other halls — newly built after 1963. Fact