Bongeunsa

Bongwonsa Temple is a thousand-year-old temple located in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, a central part of Seoul. It was founded by National Preceptor Yeonhwa in 794 and was initially called Gyeonseongsa Temple. Later, in 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon, King Seongjong's second wife, extensively rebuilt this temple, which was located east of King Seongjong's tomb (Seonjeongneung), and changed its name to Bongwonsa Temple. During the Joseon Dynasty, it served as a head temple representing the Seonjong (Zen Buddhism) of the Jogye Order. In modern times, it became the foundation for Dongguk Yeokgyeongwon (Dongguk Sutra Translation Institute), which undertook sutra translation projects and trained disciples. Today, Bongwonsa Temple is creating a new history of Buddhism through its practice-centered temple management. Through various programs, including temple stays, Buddhist universities, and sutra schools, it widely promotes high-quality Korean Buddhist culture both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, it strives to maintain its status as a major urban temple that also implements social welfare.