Eunhaesa Temple銀海寺

Eunhaesa Temple, located at the foot of Palgongsan Mountain in Cheongtong-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, is the head temple of the 10th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was founded in 809 by National Preceptor Haecheol on Haeanpyeong during the reign of King Heondeok of Silla, and was initially named Haeansa. King Heondeok ascended to the throne after dethroning his nephew, King Aejang. For this reason, Haeansa, the predecessor of Eunhaesa Temple, was founded to appease the vengeful spirits who died amidst the bloody political strife of the time, to assist the king's repentance, and furthermore, to pray for the peace and well-being of the nation and its people. Although Eunhaesa Temple did not suffer significant damage during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War), it experienced its largest fire since its foundation in 1847. This fire destroyed all buildings, numbering over a thousand bays (kan), with the exception of Geungnakjeon Hall. Afterwards, funds were secured, and after approximately three years of reconstruction work, the restoration project was completed in 1849. The buildings constructed at this time include Daeungjeon Hall, Hyangsil, Gogan, Simgeomdang, Seolseondang, Cheongpungnyo, Bohwaru, Onghomun, Anhyangjeon, Dongbyeoldang, Manwoldang, Hyangjeokgak, and Gonggaekju. Among these, the three major plaques for Daeungjeon, Bohwaru, and Bulgwang were inscribed with the calligraphy of Kim Jeong-hui. Currently, only 19 buildings remain within the main Eunhaesa temple complex. Eunhaesa Temple operates Templestay, an experiential program where visitors can find rest amidst history and nature, and also strives to promote education through initiatives like the Leadership Academy and Buddhist University, based on the teachings of the Buddha, to foster happy individuals and society.