Doesn’t the name Inwangsa sound peaceful? Inwangsa, a Buddhist temple of the Bonwon Order, sits on Inwangsan Mountain in Seoul’s Jongno District. It is not just one building. This temple is a collection of hermitages, all referred to as “Inwangsa.”
King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty founded Seoul. He appointed Josaeng, a monk from a Buddhist temple linked to the royal court, to lead the new temple’s construction. This marked the beginning of Inwangsa.
However, Inwangsa faced tough times. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea between 1592 and 1598. The temple also suffered during the Manchu invasions. For centuries, the site was neglected. Then, in 1912, during the Japanese colonial period, Park Seonmuk rebuilt Inwangsa. It steadily grew over the following decades. Eventually, it became a subsidiary temple of Bongeunsa, another temple in Seoul.
Today, Inwangsa consists of several hermitages. They are collectively known as Inwangsa. The temple is located on Inwangsan Mountain. The mountain is 338 meters high. Inwangsa was established in the early Joseon period. It was meant to guard the national palace Gyeongbokgung.
Inwangsa has eleven shrines. These shrines belong to five different Buddhist orders. This unique design adds interest for hikers. Many folk beliefs and shamanist rites take place at Seonbawi. This unusual rock formation is a special site. Inwangsa stands as a testament to resilience. It reflects both destruction and renewal. It is a place of peace, where history and spirituality intertwine.