Wibong Temple威鳳寺

Wibongsa Temple is an ancient temple located on Wibongsan Mountain (also known as Chujulsan) in Wanju County, Jeollabuk-do. It was rebuilt by Venerable Naong in the late Goryeo period, and later renovated by Venerables Seonseok and Seokjam during King Sejo's reign in the Joseon period. In the late Joseon period, after a renovation of over 60 bays of buildings by Grand Master Poryeon, in 1312 it became one of the 31 main temples nationwide (a large temple serving as the foundation for a sect or branch) and also supervised over 50 branch temples throughout the Jeollabuk-do region. After liberation and through the Korean War, it rapidly fell into disrepair. In 1988, just before its abandonment, Venerable Beopjung, immediately upon his appointment, began temple grounds maintenance, renovated the dilapidated Bogwangmyeongjeon and Gwaneumjeon halls, and with the participation of various donors, newly constructed over 100 bays of buildings. Currently, it features Bogwangmyeongjeon, Geungnakjeon, Gwaneumjeon, Samseonggak, Nawoldang, residential quarters, and other buildings, and with 50 to 60 monastics residing in its buildings, it has the appearance of a grand temple.