Bongjeongsa Temple [UNESCO World Heritage]

About this place

Bongjeongsa on Cheondeungsan mountain is not far from the busy city and not difficult to climb, making it a wonderful place to take a brief break from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Home to the oldest wooden building in Korea, it is a proud landmark for all Koreans and a place where anyone who visits can refresh both body and mind while breathing in the clean mountain air. It is also a place where Korean mountain Buddhism has continued its tradition, making it an excellent site for spiritual retreat. Bongjeongsa was founded by the monk Neungin, a disciple of the great monk Uisang, in 672 (the 12th year of King Munmu of Silla). Cheondeungsan was originally called Daemangsan; the name 'Cheondeungsan' was given after a heavenly fairy lowered a lantern to illuminate the cave where Neungin was practicing Zen. The phoenix paper bird that Neungin sent flying with his spiritual power came to rest here, so the mountain was named Bongjeong (Stopping Phoenix). The temple has undergone six restorations, and contains National Treasure No. 15 Geungnakjeon, National Treasure No. 311 Daeungjeon, Treasure No. 1614 the Rear Buddha Fresco, Treasure No. 1620 the Wooden Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Treasure No. 448 the Hwaeom Lecture Hall, and Treasure No. 449 the Gogeumdang, as well as the Deokhwiru, Muryanghaehoe, Samseongak, and a three-story stone pagoda, with sub-temples including Yeongsamam, Jijoam, and Jungam. Both King Taejo of Goryeo and King Gongmin visited this beautiful temple.