Bongeunsa
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| Bongeunsa | |
|---|---|
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| Korean name | |
| Hangul: |
봉은사
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| Hanja: |
奉恩寺
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| Revised Romanization: | Bongeunsa |
| McCune-Reischauer: | Bongŭnsa |
Bongeunsa is a Buddhist temple in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It was founded in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong by the monk Yeon-hoe. It is located on the slope of Sudo Mountain in Samseong-dong, across the street from the COEX Mall.
During the Joseon Dynasty, Buddhism in Korea was severely repressed. The number of temples dropped drastically. Bongeunsa survived, however, and with the support of Queen Monjeong it became the main temple of the Korean Seon (Zen) sect of Buddhism. From 1552-1564 it was the center of the Buddhist National Exam.
A fire in 1939 destroyed most of the buildings, and other parts of the temple were destroyed during the Korean War. The temple has undergone many repairs and renovations, and is now once again a large, thriving complex.
The temple is also a notable tourist destination, offering a "Temple Stay Program" in which visitors can lead the life of a monk for a few hours.
[edit] References
- Official Brochure
[edit] External Links
- Bongeun (Official site)
- Bongeunsa Temple - Asian Historical Architecture
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