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Yonghwasa Temple (Sangju)
Unified Silla & Balhae

Yonghwasa Temple (Sangju)

10-13 Jeungchon 2-gil, Hamchang-eup, Sangju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

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About this place

Yonghwasa is a Buddhist temple in Jeungchon-ri, Hamchang-eup. The exact time of its founding is not clearly known. According to tradition, this site was originally the location of Sangan-sa Temple, which was first established by the monk Uisang during the reign of King Munmu of Silla. The Hamchang Eupji (local gazetteer) compiled in the late Joseon period notes that 'there is a large ancient Silla temple behind Sachang with two stone Maitreya figures.' These two stone Maitreya figures are the stone seated Buddha and another standing stone Buddha enshrined in the Yaksa-jeon, both designated as National Treasures. The temple grounds contain a pagoda, stone lantern, column bases, and various other old stone fragments, attesting to its age as an ancient temple site.