Haebongsa (Pohang)

About this place

Haebongsa is a traditional temple founded in 636, nestled at the foot of Myeongwolsan in Nam-gu, Pohang City. Haebongsa was founded in 636 during the Silla period by royal command; at that time military horses (horses used for the army) were also raised here, and it is said to have been called Myeongworam. It fell into ruin during the Goryeo period and was greatly rebuilt during the reign of King Myeongjong of Joseon, but was destroyed by arson at the end of King Cheoljong's reign; then, starting reconstruction works in 1987, the Yongwanggak, the main hall (Daeungjeon), and the monks' quarters were newly built. In 2001 a Dabotap pagoda was erected in front of the main hall. The main hall is a hip-and-gable-roofed building measuring five kan across the front and three kan on the side, enshrining a seated Amitabha and a Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statue centered on a seated Sakyamuni Buddha.