Byeoksongsa Temple

It is a branch temple of Haeinsa Temple, which is the 12th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. While its exact founding date is unknown, based on the three-story stone pagoda presumed to have been erected behind the temple at the time of its founding, its establishment is believed to be in the late Silla or early Goryeo dynasty. It is said that Grand Master Byeoksong Jieom renovated it in 1520 and named it Byeoksongsa. The connection between Seon Buddhism in Korea and Byeoksongsa is particularly special, as it served as a training ground where eight patriarchs who illuminated the Joseon Seon tradition practiced and cultivated themselves. These include Byeokgye Jeongsim, Byeoksong Jieom, and Buyong Yeonggwan, who carried on the Korean Seon tradition before Seosan Daesa Cheongheo Hyujeong, as well as Hwanseong Jian and Seoryong Sangmin. It was destroyed by an accidental fire in the 30th year of King Sukjong's reign (1704), after which Grand Master Hwanseong Jian rebuilt it. It was further renovated by Grand Master Seoryongdang Sangmin in 1850, but was destroyed again during the Korean War in 1950. In 1960, Ven. Won-eung Guhan rebuilt the devastated temple, and it stands to this day.