Bongseon Temple奉先寺

Bongseonsa, the main temple for doctrinal study (Gyo-jong bon-chal) and the head temple of the 25th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is a grand monastery that directly inherits and transmits the traditional spirit of a head doctrinal temple and the dharma lineage of a Seon (Zen) temple. It was founded in 969 AD, the 20th year of King Gwangjong of Goryeo, by State Preceptor Beob-in and named Unaksa. Afterwards, in 1469 AD, the first year of King Yejong of Joseon, Queen Jeonghui, King Sejo's consort, enshrined King Sejo's royal tomb on this mountain, calling it Gwangneung. She then established this temple as a jaseongboksa (a temple praying for royal blessings) to pray for the peace and blessings of the deceased king's tomb, and named it Bongseonsa. Bongseonsa repeatedly suffered the misfortune of war damage during the Imjin War, the Byeongja Horan (Qing invasion), and the Korean War. Following Nanghye Daesa (in 1539), Gye-min Seonsa rebuilt it in 1637, and it was renovated again in 1749 and 1848, restoring its elegant and majestic appearance as a grand temple. However, today's Bongseonsa is in the form of a monastery that has undergone reconstruction projects since around 1960. Every summer, Bongseonsa hosts the Bongseonsa Lotus Festival, a Buddhist cultural festival centered around lotus flowers. A vast lotus field, spanning over 1,000 pyeong, has been created, offering a truly beautiful sight when the lotus flowers are in full bloom. This festival, which began in 2003, is held annually to introduce the tranquil ambiance and culture unique to a mountain temple to the public, and to embody a Buddhist culture of communication and harmony.