Baeknyeonsa (Yongin)白蓮寺

Baeknyeonsa Temple, located on the middle slopes of Hyangsu Mountain in Yongin, is the oldest temple in Yongin City and is also called Baeknyeonam Hermitage. It is a branch temple of Yongjusa Temple, the head temple of the 2nd district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and has been designated as a traditional temple of Gyeonggi-do Province. It was founded in 801 (the 2nd year of King Aejang of Unified Silla) by Seonsa Sineung. Currently, the temple grounds include Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall), Jijangjeon (Ksitigarbha Hall), Nahanjeon (Arhat Hall), Yosachae (monks' quarters), and Samseonggak (Three Sages Hall). There are no particularly notable cultural properties, but the Nahan (Arhat) statues, said to have been created by Great Master Muhak, are all made of granite and are distinctive in their technique and form. Furthermore, the current Yosachae (monks' quarters) was originally used as a main hall. It is said that until the 1960s, a single blue roof tile, passed down from the Goryeo period, rested on the ridge of both the Yosachae and the Daeungjeon, but they were later replaced with replicas. In addition, to the north of the temple are the stupas of Sugyeongdang and Dowon, which are bell-shaped stone stupas, 132cm high, dating from the mid-Joseon period. On the stone platform in front of the Sansingak (Mountain Spirit Shrine) is a seated stone Buddha statue, 66cm high, presumed to be a work from the Goryeo dynasty. Everland and Hoam Art Museum are situated with Hyangsu Mountain as their backdrop. Baeknyeonsa Temple can be reached by going towards the main gate of Everland, passing Hoam Art Museum a little, and then turning left. The path leading up to the temple is heavily wooded and offers beautiful scenery, making it ideal as a hiking trail. It takes approximately 12 minutes by car from Maseong IC. Everland and Hoam Art Museum are nearby, and the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum, Gyeonggi Children's Museum, and Korean Folk Village are also in the vicinity.