Baekhwam Hermitage (Yangju)

Baekhwam Hermitage, located on the mid-slope of Bulgoksan Mountain, is a temple belonging to Bongseonsa Temple, the head temple of the 25th Diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was founded in 898 (the 2nd year of King Hyogong of Unified Silla) by National Preceptor Doseon and was originally called Bulgoksa Temple. Destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin Waeran), it was rebuilt in 1598 (the 31st year of King Seonjo) by Monk Gwangjong, and in 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong), Chukseongru Pavilion was erected. Later, in 1923, Monk Wolha renovated the entire temple, but it was destroyed again during the Korean War (6·25 War). In 1956, Abbot Monk Seongbong restored the temple and renamed it Baekhwam Hermitage. In 1968, Bhikkhuni Musang rebuilt the Daeungjeon Hall and constructed the monks' quarters. In 1985, Hanam renovated the Daeungjeon Hall and Sansingak Shrine, and in 1998, the Daeungjeon Hall was rebuilt again. In 2004, a rock-carved triad of Buddha (Maeae Samjonbul) was created on the cliff leading to the summit of Bulgoksan Mountain, featuring a seated Amitabha Buddha flanked by standing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. In 2009, Wontongjeon Hall was built.

Address: 191, Baekhwamgil, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (Yuyang-dong)