Manghaesa Temple (Gimje)

About this place

Manghaesa is a branch temple of Geumsansa, the head temple of the 17th district of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order, located in Simpo-ri, Jinbong-myeon, Gimje-si. Manghaesa was founded in 754 (the 13th year of King Gyeongdeok of Silla) by Venerable Tongjang. It alternately flourished and declined through dynastic changes, fell into ruin under Joseon's anti-Buddhist policies, and was rebuilt by the great monk Jinmuk in 1609 (the 1st year of King Gwanghaegun). Thereafter, the monk Gwanjun (1850-1919) rebuilt it again, and in 1915 the monk Gyesan rebuilt it further. In 1933, Chief Priest Kim Jeong-hui restored the main hall and newly built the Bogwang Hall and Chilseong-gak. Nestled at the edge of Jinbongsan hill beyond Jinbong Pass, looking down at the vast sea, the temple is aptly named Manghaesa (Temple Looking Out to Sea). The beautiful West Sea sunset is visible from here. In June 2024, it was designated a scenic site (myeungseung).