Sinheung Temple神興寺

Shinheungsa was founded by Jajangyulsa during the reign of Queen Jindeok of Silla, and was initially called Hyangseongsa. It was originally built on the site of the Kensington Hotel, but after being destroyed by fire several times, it was rebuilt on its current site during the reign of King Injo of Joseon. An anecdote is passed down that at the time of the reconstruction, three monks, Yeongseo, Hyewon, and Yeonok, had the exact same dream in which a white-haired divine being appeared and designated the temple site. They then rebuilt the temple below the old site and named it Shinheungsa. Originally, Shinheungsa (神興寺) meant that it prospered because a divine being designated its site. However, in 1995, with the aspiration to revive Buddhism in the Yeongdong region, its Chinese character was changed to the character for "new" (新). Shinheungsa also operates a Templestay program where visitors can experience and learn about Buddhist traditions and culture.