Neungga Temple楞伽寺

Neunggasa, a subsidiary temple of Songgwangsa, the head temple of the 21st district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is one of the four great temples in Honam, large in scale, and located on flat ground. It was founded in 417 by Master Ado and named Bohyeonsa. After being completely burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea, it was rebuilt in the 22nd year of King Injo of Joseon (1644) by Grand Master Byeokcheon Jeonghyeon and renamed Neunggasa. Byeokcheon was originally practicing asceticism on Jirisan Mountain at the age of 90. One night, the Buddha appeared in his dream and, receiving a revelation to build a temple to save sentient beings, he is said to have newly constructed Neunggasa here. Neunggasa is one of the four great temples in Honam, large in scale and located on flat ground. Existing temple buildings include Daeungjeon (Main Hall), designated as Treasure No. 1307, which has five bays in the front, three bays on the side, and a hip-and-gable roof, as well as Eungjindang, Jonggak (Bell Pavilion), Cheonwangmun (Gate of Four Heavenly Kings), and monastic living quarters. Neunggasa has been designated as a Templestay temple since 2018 and offers the "Southern Land Sea Meditation Journey Templestay" program. Located at the foot of Palyeongsan Mountain, visitors can explore Palyeongsan Mountain. Palyeongsan Auto Campground is adjacent, past Neunggasa.