Bugwisa Temple (Yeongcheon)

About this place

Bugwisa is a branch temple of Eunhaesa, the head temple of the 10th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Although detailed records of its history have not survived, tradition holds that it was founded simultaneously with Geojooam Hermitage by the monk Hyerim in 591. It is said that National Master Bojo resided here during the Goryeo period. Given that the temple name appears in both the Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam (compiled 1481) and the Beom'ugo (compiled 1799), it evidently maintained continuity without being abandoned. In 1873 Damun undertook major renovations, and in 1882 it was relocated to its current site. Buildings include a main hall and monks' quarters; inscriptions on plaques in the Bohwaru Pavilion, including the 'Bell Tower Renovation Record', 'Bugwisa Tablet Record', and 'Bugwisa Hermitage Renovation Record', offer glimpses into the temple's historical scale. In 2000, renovation efforts were undertaken to establish an Amitabha prayer hall. The temple currently comprises Geungnakjeon (Main Paradise Hall), Bohwaru Pavilion, Singeomgang Hall, Sansingak Shrine, and monks' quarters. Inside Geungnakjeon is a Mita-hoe painting from 1754.