Gyeongguksa Temple (Seoul)

About this place

Gyeongguksa Temple was founded in 1325 by the Buddhist monk Jajeong, and was originally called 'Cheongamsa' as it stood beneath the blue peak of Samgaksan. Founder Jajeong was not only well versed in the monastic rules but also deeply learned in the Lotus Sutra and Yogacara teachings. In 1349, National Preceptor Taego Bou traveled to China, received the dharma transmission from Master Seokokcheonggong, and upon returning was given the golden-thread robe and staff by King Gongmin at Gyeongguksa, becoming the national preceptor. In 1545, Queen Munjeong, the royal mother during the reign of King Myeongjong, sponsored Buddhist works here and renamed the temple 'Gyeongguksa' to pray for unending national prosperity. The temple was reconstructed in 1698, and after the Korean War era was renovated into its current form by Venerable Jigwan between 1977 and 1985.