Sinheungsa Temple (Hwaseong)

Sinheungsa Temple is a temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. It is a branch temple of Yongjusa Temple, the head temple of the 2nd district. Founded in 1934, it sits against the backdrop of Dangseong Fortress on Gubongsan Mountain, overlooking the West Sea. Originally, there was a temple within Dangseong Fortress, but over time it disappeared. A layman named Han Yeong-seok, who lived nearby, dreamed of a Buddha and discovered a stone Buddha inside the fortress, leading to the temple's construction. In 1973, Monk Oh Seong-il became the abbot and established a vow to spread Buddhism in this once-barren land, cultivating the temple grounds to its present state.

Sinheungsa Temple is designated as a propagation temple by the order, dedicated to spreading the Dharma with fervor and sincerity, much like the Buddha's first sermon at Deer Park and his 45 years of teaching to enlighten countless beings. It places special emphasis on educating children and youth, with separate facilities such as a children's Dharma hall and a youth training center. It runs programs like one-day ordination training camps and summer Buddhist schools for children. As Sinheungsa is renowned for its children's Dharma services, signs and content within the temple are written in Korean rather than Chinese characters. The stairs leading to the main Dharma hall (Daeungjeon) are accompanied by a ramp for the elderly and wheelchair users.