Yongmunsa Temple (Yecheon)

Yongmunsa is a branch temple of Jikjisa, the 8th parish of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is said to have been founded in 870 (the 10th year of King Gyeongmun of Silla) by Seon Master Duun. When King Taejo Wang Geon of Goryeo was marching to conquer Silla, he visited this temple, but the fog was so thick that he couldn't see anything nearby. Then, two blue dragons appeared from somewhere and guided his way, leading to the temple being named 'Yongmunsa' (Dragon Gate Temple). During the reign of King Myeongjong of Goryeo, it was renamed 'Yongmunsa Changgisa.' However, after enshrining the placenta chamber (taesil) of Queen Soheon, the consort of King Sejong the Great of Joseon, it was changed back to 'Seongbulsa Yongmunsa.' In the reign of King Jeongjo, the taesil of Crown Prince Munhyo was placed here, and it was renamed 'Sobaeksan Yongmunsa,' which it remains to this day. Within the temple grounds are Daejangjeon, Eungjinjeon, Myeongbujeon, Jinyeongdang, Iljumun, Jawunru, and a sacred treasures museum. The museum houses about 10 sacred cultural assets, including the yunjangdae, which is the only one remaining in Korea. Additionally, the wooden carving (mokgak-taenghwa) created during the reign of King Sukjong of Joseon is known as the oldest in Korea. In particular, it is believed that if one spins the yunjangdae, which houses the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks, afflictions disappear, merits accumulate, and wishes are fulfilled. For this reason, pilgrims have continuously visited since ancient times.