Daewonsa Temple (Wanju)

About this place

Daewonsa is a small Buddhist temple situated at 420 m elevation on the eastern slopes of Moaksan Mountain, serving as a branch temple of Geumsansa, the head temple of the 17th district of the Jogye Order. It was founded in 670 (the 10th year of King Munmu of Silla) by disciples of the monk Bodeok, the founder of the Yeolban (Nirvana) sect who had emigrated from Goguryeo to Baekje. The temple was renovated in 1866. Surviving structures include the Daeungjeon main hall, Wontongjeon, Eunghyanggak, Samseonggak, Bongiknru, Beomjonggak, and guest quarters. In front of the Daeungjeon stands a five-story stone pagoda from the late Goryeo period, 238 cm tall. Around the temple are nine stupa memorials, the finest of which is the Dragon Stupa (Yonggak Budo), estimated to date from the mid-Goryeo period and designated Jeonbuk Provincial Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 71.