Naejangsa Temple (Jeongeup)

About this place

Naejangsa Temple, nestled in the beautiful Naejangsan National Park, was founded in 636 (the 37th year of King Mu of Baekje) by the Patriarch Yeongeun (靈隱祖師) and was originally named Yeongeunsa; at the time, the temple complex comprised more than fifty buildings. In 1098 (the 3rd year of King Sukjong of Goryeo), the monk Haengan newly built and restored the halls and structures. In 1557 (the 12th year of King Myeongjong), the great monk Huimuk constructed the Dharma hall and monks' quarters at the site of Yeongeunsa, renaming the temple Naejangsa — meaning that infinite treasures are hidden within the mountain. During the Imjin War (1592), Huimuk, then chief monk and commander of the monk-soldiers at Naejangsa, and his monk-army played a major role in guarding the Joseon Wangjo Sillok and the royal portrait of King Taejo that had been moved to Yonggulam, Eunbongam, and Birae-am on Naejangsan Mountain. The temple was completely burned during the Jeongyu War, but was rebuilt and restored in 1639 (the 17th year of King Injo) by the monk Buyong. In 1779 (the 3rd year of King Jeongjo), the monk Yeongdam repaired the Daeungjeon and Siwangjeon halls. The monk Haengmyeong greatly revived the temple in 1923, and in 1938 the monk Maegok relocated the temple to its current site and rebuilt the Daeungjeon and added new halls. After a fire on January 12, 1951, the temple saw various restorations through 1997. The extant halls include the Daeungjeon, Geungnakjeon, Gwaneumjeon, Myeongbujeon, Samseongak, Cheonwangmun, Beomjong-gak, Jeonghyeru, and Iljumun.