Incheon Heungnyunsa Temple: Sunset Over the West Sea Beyond 108 Steps
Heungnyunsa Temple on Incheon's Cheongnyangsan Mountain began as Cheongnyangsa Temple during the Goryeo period and was rebuilt under its current name in 1966. Admission is free, but knowing in advance about the 108 steps, the uphill route, and discrepancies in the address and transportation information provided by official sources will make your first visit easier.
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Why Cheongnyangsa became Heungryunsa in 1966 after its founding in 1376
Heungryunsa began as Cheongnyangsa, founded in 1376 by Monk Naong during the second year of King U of Goryeo. It was named “Cheongnyangsa” for its beautiful scenery, and the mountain came to be called Cheongnyangsan. Cheongnyangsa continued for 210 years but was destroyed during the Second Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1597.
In 1927, Monk Ha Jin-myeong rebuilt the temple, which continued under the name Inmyeongsa. After Monk Beopryun extensively reconstructed it in 1966, the name was changed to Heungryunsa. The temple currently belongs to the Gwaneum Order of Korean Buddhism and is a traditional temple designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The West Sea and Incheon Bridge come into view behind Cheongnyangsan’s 108 steps
There are 108 steps along the route into the temple grounds. After passing the steps, the West Sea comes into view, and Incheon Bridge, a landmark of Incheon, can also be seen. Thus, Heungryunsa is less a place to view buildings from level ground than a temple where visitors climb steps to enjoy the scenery as well.
The official website introduces Heungryunsa as “a thousand-year-old temple where sunsets create a magnificent view.” If you plan to look toward the West Sea around sunset, you should also consider descending the dark steps after the sun has gone down. Even for a brief view, comfortable shoes are necessary because of the steps and uphill paths.
How to find the stone lantern and early Joseon stupa at the Cheongnyangsa site
Heungryunsa preserves roof-tile fragments from the former Cheongnyangsa site dating to the late Goryeo period, as well as a stupa and stone lantern from the early Joseon period. These artifacts do not mean that the current buildings retain their original Goryeo-era form; rather, they are traces showing the site’s earlier history, including its destruction during the Second Japanese Invasion of Korea and its rebuilding in 1927.
The temple grounds also contain a 5-meter-high Maitreya Buddha created by Monk Munseong during the reconstruction of Inmyeongsa in 1927. Visitors should follow the guidance for each area regarding where photography is allowed and whether indoor access is permitted. Based on publicly available materials, it has not been confirmed whether there are photography-restricted areas or English explanations and audio guides.
Remember the 1438 metal-type edition of Zizhi Tongjian Gangmu
Volume 23, Part 1 of Zizhi Tongjian Gangmu held by Heungryunsa is Incheon Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 59. The national heritage information records the book as dating to 1438, the 20th year of King Sejong of Joseon, and lists its quantity as one book and its classification as a movable-type and metal movable-type edition.
This cultural heritage was designated on April 6, 2004, and is owned by Heungryunsa. In addition to this book, Heungryunsa is introduced as holding seven Incheon City cultural properties, Amitabha Buddha Painting No. 27 and Guardian Deities Painting No. 28 among Incheon City Cultural Heritage Materials, and more than 1,000 artifacts including Buddhist statues, Buddhist hanging paintings, and old books.
Take a taxi from Dongchun Station or walk from Songdo Recreation Area
Visitors from outside the area can use Dongchun Station as their starting point when traveling by the Incheon Subway. Heungryunsa’s official directions say to transfer at Bupyeong Station from Line 1 to a train heading toward Yeonsu-dong on the Incheon Subway, then get off at Dongchun Station. At the time of the guidance, the taxi fare from Dongchun Station to Heungryunsa was approximately 5,000 won.
No bus route number serving the area directly in front of the temple is listed in the official directions. Visitors must get off in front of Songdo Recreation Area or the nursing home (Yeongnakwon) and walk. According to the official directions, the walk takes 15 minutes from Songdo Recreation Area and 10 minutes from the nursing home. Reviews mention that the uphill road after getting off the bus is somewhat challenging but manageable on foot.
Prioritize the official address: 40-18 Cheongnyang-ro 70beon-gil
The address provided by Heungryunsa’s official website is 40-18 Cheongnyang-ro 70beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. The supplied place listing also gives 1st and 2nd floors, 2 Cheongnyang-ro 79beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City. Since the addresses differ, it is safest to enter the official website address together with “Heungryunsa” in a taxi or map app.
The temple office telephone number is 032-832-1133~1134, and the official email address is [email protected]. The telephone number for Jeongtowon (the columbarium) is listed separately as 032-832-1131, so general temple inquiries and columbarium inquiries should be directed separately.
Free and open year-round, but be cautious about taking the 00:00–24:00 listing literally
According to Incheon Tour information, Heungryunsa’s hours are 00:00–24:00, and admission and usage fees are free. Other information lists it as open year-round, so it is presented as a place that can be visited without scheduled closing days.
However, the 24-hour listing refers to access to the temple grounds; publicly available materials do not confirm whether temple-office services or the opening of the worship halls are also available 24 hours a day. Even though admission is free, visitors should move quietly in worship areas and follow on-site signs and temple guidance regarding access controls and photography rules inside worship halls.
A destination suited to visitors who can climb 108 steps without a stroller
Heungryunsa has parking facilities and restrooms, but publicly available information does not confirm the parking fee or the number of available spaces. Stroller rental is unavailable, and the route into the temple grounds includes 108 steps, making the route demanding for stroller users and travelers who have difficulty using stairs.
Pets are not permitted. On-site stays are recorded as taking approximately one hour, including photography, exploring the temple grounds, and activities. Travel time from Songdo Recreation Area or Dongchun Station and time spent waiting for sunset should be added separately. The site suits travelers who want to see both the views and temple artifacts, but it may not be suitable for those expecting a flat walking trail and unrestricted indoor sightseeing.
A day with a service at 3 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month
The Heungryunsa Youth Association and the Diamond Sutra Chanting Service are held at 3 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month, according to the information page. A Dharma talk by Senior Monk Jeong Beopryun is also listed as part of the Diamond Sutra Chanting Service. During these hours, visitors should prioritize the order of service participants and worship areas over tourist photography.
The Heungryunsa Choir is listed as meeting at 11 a.m. every Monday. The Avatamsaka Guardian Deities Prayer Service is held at 10:30 a.m. on the first day of every lunar month, the Ksitigarbha Prayer Service at 10:30 a.m. on the 18th day of every lunar month, and the Guanyin Prayer Service at 10:30 a.m. on the 24th day of every lunar month. Youth Association and service schedules may change, so if your purpose is to participate in an event, contact the temple office at 032-832-1133~1134 in advance for accurate information.
Manbuljeon, the International Seon Center, and the memorial hall differ from ordinary view-oriented visits
Heungryunsa is introduced as offering a temple stay, an International Seon Center, and Manbuljeon, where visitors can experience Korean Buddhist culture. It also operates Jeongtowon, a state-of-the-art memorial hall for enshrining ancestors. The inquiry telephone number for Jeongtowon (the columbarium) is 032-832-1131.
These facilities serve purposes different from an ordinary visit focused on climbing the steps and viewing the scenery. Public visitor information does not confirm the reservation procedures, foreign-language guidance, or access available in individual buildings for the temple stay, International Seon Center, and Manbuljeon. If you plan to participate in a program or visit indoor spaces, clearly explain your purpose to the temple office.
Before You Go
- Address
- 40-18 Cheongnyang-ro 70beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
- Hours
- 00:00–24:00
- Closed
- Open year-round
- Admission
- Free
- Phone
- 032-832-1133~1134
- Official site
- https://hrtemple2.cafe24.com/
- Transport
- A taxi from Dongchun Station is listed at approximately 5,000 won. For buses, get off in front of Songdo Recreation Area or the nursing home (Yeongnakwon), then walk. The walk takes 15 minutes from Songdo Recreation Area and 10 minutes from the nursing home.
- Parking
- Parking facilities available. The parking fee and number of spaces could not be confirmed.
- Time needed
- Approximately 1 hour based on on-site observation records, including time spent photographing, exploring the temple grounds, and participating in activities after arriving at Heungryunsa
- Accessibility
- The route into the temple grounds includes 108 steps. Reviews mention that walking uphill after getting off the bus is somewhat challenging but manageable. Stroller rental unavailable.
The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.
Places
Nearby Attractions 3
-
1
Incheon Metropolitan City MuseumA museum showcasing Incheon's local history and cultural heritage. -
2
Incheon Landing Operation Memorial HallA memorial hall that exhibits the history of the Incheon Landing Operation and related artifacts. -
3
Neungheodae SiteA historic site commemorating the ferry terminal from which Baekje envoys' ships departed.
Food & Dining 3
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4
260 Degrees Songdo Amusement Park BranchA specialty restaurant serving aged wagyu and beef grilled at the table. -
5
Upan Deungsim Incheon BranchA specialty beef restaurant serving fresh Korean beef sirloin and fried rice. -
6
Songdo Gungjung SamgyetangA Korean restaurant serving royal court-style ginseng chicken soup, as well as abalone and perilla seed ginseng chicken soup.
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