Here at the base of Ansan Mountain lies Bongwonsa Temple. This is a place of deep history and tradition. Bongwonsa Temple stands as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego. It is a thousand-year-old temple.
Do you know its origins? In 889 Monk Doseon founded it. The location was originally the ground of Yeonhui Palace. Today that is Yonsei University. Back then it was named Banyasa Temple.
However, destruction came with the Imjin War in 1592. The temple was rebuilt in 1748. Two Buddhist monks Chanjeup and Jeungam renamed it Bongwonsa.
“Bongwonsa” means something special. It signifies the act of honoring the king. This can be understood as praying for King Seongjong’s eternal life.
Each year on June 6, Bongwonsa hosts Yeongsanjae. This Buddhist ritual wishes for world peace. It also prays for the reunification of North and South Korea. UNESCO recognized Yeongsanjae. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity in 2009.
During Yeongsanjae, visitors experience Buddhist arts. Beompae is Buddhist temple music for rituals. There is also traditional dancing. In summertime, the Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival takes place. You can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers then. These are a symbol of Buddhism.
More than fifty monks live at Bongwonsa Temple. They are engaged in education. They also do social welfare work.
Part of Bongwonsa was destroyed during the Korean War in 1950. In 1966 a new hall was built. It was later moved. In 1991 a fire destroyed the Main Buddha Hall. This happened while a new Hall of 3000 Buddhas was being built. The Main Buddha Hall was rebuilt in 1994.
Bongwonsa Temple has sixteen Arhat statues in its garden. These white statues represent the enlightened ones. Arhats have attained enlightenment. They may choose to guide others.
Bongwonsa Temple offers a clean and beautiful view. It stands on Ansan Mountain. An old Zelkova tree welcomes visitors at the entrance. Lotuses awaken the Buddhist spirit. The architectural design connects lines with small houses and mountain branches.
Bongwonsa has historical stories. It has roots in the enlightenment party led by Kim Okgyun and Park Younghyo. The Korean Research Institute and former Hangul Institute were founded here in 1908.
Remember Bongwonsa Temple. It’s a place where history and spirituality meet. It’s a place for peace and reflection in Seoul.