Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa Temple was originally founded in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong of the Silla Kingdom by the monk Yeon-hoe. At its inception, the temple was located near the Royal Tomb of King Seongjong and was known as Gyeonseongsa. For centuries, it served as a modest site for Buddhist practice, reflecting the spiritual landscape of the Silla and early Goryeo periods. In 1498, during the Joseon Dynasty, the temple underwent a significant transformation under the patronage of Queen Munjeong. She spearheaded its reconstruction and renamed it Bongeunsa. During this era, despite the state's official promotion of Confucianism over Buddhism, the temple became the headquarters for the Seon (Zen) sect of Korean Buddhism, playing a pivotal role in preserving the faith's traditions and educating monks. Throughout the modern era, Bongeunsa has stood as a resilient symbol of Korean heritage. Although many of its buildings were destroyed by fire in 1939 and further damaged during the Korean War, extensive restoration efforts have returned it to its former glory. Today, it stands in striking contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers of the Gangnam District, serving as a vital cultural and spiritual hub for both locals and international visitors.