Around Neungga Temple

Neungga Temple

Neunggasa, a subordinate temple of Songgwangsa (the head temple of the 21st district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism), is one of the four major temples in the Honam region, noted for its large scale and flat-land setting. It was founded in 417 by Master Ado and originally named Bohyeonsa. After being completely destroyed during the Imjin War, it was rebuilt and renamed Neunggasa in 1644 (the 22nd year of King Injo's reign) by Master Byeokcheon Jeonghyeon. Legend has it that Byeokcheon, then 90 years old and practicing on Jirisan Mountain, received a revelation from Buddha in a dream instructing him to build a temple to save sentient beings, leading to the construction of Neunggasa. Existing temple buildings include Daeungjeon (Treasure No. 1307), which features a gabled roof and measures five bays in front and three bays on the sides, as well as Eungjindang, Jonggak (bell pavilion), Cheonwangmun (gate of the Four Heavenly Kings), and monastic living quarters. Since 2018, Neunggasa has been designated as a Templestay temple, offering the 'Southern Country Sea Meditation Journey Templestay' program. Located at the foot of Palyeongsan Mountain, the temple allows visitors to explore the mountain, with the Palyeongsan Car Camping Site situated adjacent to Neunggasa.