Wontongsa Temple (Seoul)

Wontongsa Temple is a direct-control temple of Jogyesa, the head temple of the first diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on Dobongsan Mountain in Dobong-gu, Seoul. Since ancient times, Wontongsa has been known as a sacred site for ascetic practice, situated in the best auspicious location on Dobongsan Mountain, flanked by Suraksan Mountain and Samgaksan Mountain to the left and right, overlooking the Han River. From the early Joseon period, great masters such as Monk Muhak, and in modern times, eminent monks like Mangong, Dongsan, and Chunsong, attained great enlightenment while staying here, and it is also famous as a place for Avalokitesvara prayer for many people. Additionally, during the reign of King Yeongjo of Joseon, high-ranking officials like Jo Hyeon-myeong and Seo Myeong-gyun, who served as Yeonguijeong (Chief State Councilor), discussed state affairs and cultivated their minds and bodies here, making it a renowned site among Confucian scholars of the time. Currently, within the temple grounds, there is a cave where Joseon's founder, King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, is said to have prayed. Below the Yaksajeon Hall (Medicine Buddha Hall), on a large rock, is inscribed the characters 'Sangongam' (相公岩), named after a dream Taejo had on the day he finished his prayers, in which he became a celestial prime minister and paid homage to the Jade Emperor. Furthermore, a rock called Uiam (Cow Rock) at the back of the temple is said to resemble Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva praying to the Buddha, and was originally called 'Gwaneumbong' (Avalokitesvara Peak). A close look at the surrounding natural topography reveals rocks shaped like various animals—tigers, elephants, cranes—bowing their heads toward this rock. Perhaps for this reason, people believe this place to be a naturally formed sacred site of Avalokitesvara.