Hyangil Hermitage向日庵

Yeosu Hyangiram Temple is a branch temple of the 19th diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, a tourist attraction visited by over a million people annually, and a place for prayers to Avalokiteshvara. Great Master Wonhyo personally encountered Avalokiteshvara and built Wontongam Temple on that spot. Later, during the reign of King Sukjong of Joseon, Great Master Inmuk renamed it Hyangiram Temple. Wontongbojeon, Samseonggak, Gwan-eumjeon, Yongwangjeon, Jonggak (Bell Pavilion), and the Haesu Gwanseum (Sea Avalokiteshvara) statue were restored and newly built, giving the temple its current appearance. The Daeungjeon (also known as Wontongbojeon), Jongmuso (Yeongguam, the temple office), and Jonggak, which were destroyed by fire on December 20, 2009, were restored on May 6, 2012, and a dedication ceremony was held. It was named Hyangiram (meaning "hermitage facing the sun") because the sunrise view over the southern sea horizon creates a magnificent spectacle. Furthermore, since the surrounding rocks are shaped like a turtle's back, it is also called Yeongguam (meaning "turtle rock hermitage").