Imagine a place where ancient history thrives amid modern Seoul. That place is Bongeunsa Temple. It stands as a testament to Korea’s enduring Buddhist heritage.
Bongeunsa was founded in 794 during the Silla Dynasty. State Preceptor Yeonhoe established it. Initially, it was named Gyeonseongsa. The temple’s history spans over 1,200 years.
Centuries later in 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon renovated the temple. She renamed it Bongeunsa. This act honored King Seongjong. Bongeunsa means “honoring the king”. It reflected prayers for his eternal life.
During the Joseon Dynasty, Buddhism faced suppression. Yet, Bongeunsa persevered. Queen Munjeong revived Buddhism briefly in the 16th century. In 1551, Bongeunsa became the main temple for the Korean Seon sect. This lasted until 1936.
Monk Bou was appointed head of Bongeunsa in 1548. Queen Munjeong supported him. Sadly, he was killed as anti-Buddhist factions regained power. Bongeunsa served as the center for the Buddhist National Exam from 1552 to 1564.
In 1939, a fire destroyed most of Bongeunsa. The Korean War also caused damage. Fortunately, Panjeon survived. It holds woodblock carvings of the Flower Garland Sutra created in 1855. Monk Yeonggi created them.
Daewoongjeon was rebuilt in 1982. Inside, three wooden sitting Buddhas are enshrined. These are a National Treasure. Sakyamuni Buddha sits in the center. The Medicine Buddha is on his left. The Amitabha Buddha is on his right. A beautiful painting behind the statues portrays the theme of the three Buddhas.
Panjeon was built in 1855. Venerable Yeonggi and Kim Jeong-hee created it. Kim Jeong-hee was a scholar and calligrapher. It preserves wooden blocks of the Avatamsaka Sutra. Currently, 3,438 wooden blocks are kept here. This is the oldest building in Bongeunsa. The Vairocana Buddha is enshrined here.
Bongeunsa also holds a Bronze Incense Burner. It has 103 letters inscribed with silver thread. Kim Kyung, a master artisan, made it in 1344. It was originally located at Jungheungsa Temple. It was transferred to Bongeunsa during King Myeongjong’s reign.
Wooden statues of Sakyamuni Triad are in the Main Buddha Hall. They were designated as National Treasure No. 1819 in 2014. Monk Seungil, a sculptor, created the statues in 1651. They represent hope and saving beings from suffering.
Today, Bongeunsa offers a Temple Stay program. Visitors experience the life of a monk. They participate in traditions linked to the temple’s history. Bongeunsa continues to be an important temple. It contributes to public welfare in Korean society. Bongeunsa represents Buddhist temples of Seoul. It is a place of history, culture and spiritual significance.