Donghwasa Temple桐華寺

Donghwasa is a historic Silla temple nestled in the Donghakdong valley, where the Pokpogol, Bindaegol, and Susutgol valleys of Palgongsan Mountain converge from left and right. It is the head temple of the 9th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was founded by Geukdal in 493 (the 15th year of King Soji's reign) and was then called Yugasa. Later, in 832 (the 7th year of King Heungdeok's reign), National Preceptor Simji rebuilt it. It is said that despite it being winter at the time, paulownia flowers bloomed profusely around the temple, leading to its renaming as Donghwasa. Most of the existing temple buildings were constructed during its reconstruction in King Yeongjo's reign, including the Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall), Yeonkyungjeon, Cheontae-gak, Yeongsanjeon, Bongseoru, Simgeomdang, Chilseong-gak, Sansin-gak, Eunghyang-gak, Woneumgak, and Cheonanmun, among others. Its affiliated hermitages include Geumdangam, Biroam, Naewonam, Budoam, Yangjinam, and Yeombulam, among others. Donghwasa is also a gateway to various hiking trails in Palgongsan National Park. Trails leading to nature are open throughout the temple grounds: courses passing Yeombulam and heading towards Yeombulbong Peak or Dongbong Peak, courses climbing the ridge along the Bindaegol Valley, and courses from the Templestay entrance following Pokpogol Valley towards Domajae (Sillyeongjae) or Bareunjae. Many people visit as it is a great place to walk along the mountain and valley scenery throughout all four seasons.