Sinwonsa Temple (Namwon)

About this place

Sinwonsa Temple is a missionary center temple in the city of Namwon, founded by the Silla monk Doseon. It is a branch temple of Geumsansa, the head temple of the 17th district of the Jogye Order. According to tradition, Doseon, after traveling through the mountains and rivers of the south and reaching Namwon, surveyed the area and founded Sinwonsa along with Manbokcsa and Daeboksa to bolster the geomantic spirit of Namwon. At its founding, the temple enshrined Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, and the original compound reportedly had over 30 buildings. Important cultural properties include an iron seated Buddha and a large hanging painting in the Yaksa Hall, as well as the main Daeungjeon hall—a wooden tile-roofed building dating from the late Joseon period.