Sangwonsa Temple (Gochang)

About this place

Sangwonsa Temple is located at Wolgok-ri, Gochang-eup, on the slopes of Bangjangsan Mountain, and serves as a branch temple of Seonunsa, the head temple of the 24th district of the Jogye Order. It was founded in 546 (the 23rd year of King Seong of Baekje) by the Silla monks Gobong and Balyong. At that time Silla was under King Jinheung, and in accordance with a national decree to establish Buddhist temples, Gobong and Balyong received a secret royal commission and entered Baekje territory to build a temple. The temple has been renovated numerous times since. The Daeungjeon main hall, estimated to date from the mid-18th century, houses the principal Shakyamuni Buddha flanked by the Medicine Buddha and Amitabha Buddha. Sangwonsa is known as a favorite gathering place for Honam region scholars and intellectuals, celebrated as a refined retreat for anyone wishing to clear their mind amid the fragrance of tea.