Sangunsa Temple (Goyang)

It is a branch temple of Jogyesa, the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is located on the southern mid-slope of Wonhyobong Peak of Bukhansan Mountain, which forms the boundary between Seoul and Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province. It is said to have been founded by the monk Wonhyo (617–686) during the Silla period along with Samcheonsa Temple, and it was a temple where monk soldiers stayed after the mid-Joseon period. In 1722 (the 2nd year of King Gyeongjong of Joseon), the monk soldier commander Hoesu renovated the temple and changed its name to Nojeoksa, and in 1813 (the 13th year of King Sunjo), the monk soldier commanders Taewol and Jicheong rebuilt it and changed its name to the current name, Sangunsa. In 1864 (the 1st year of King Gojong), Geunghong rebuilt Geungnakjeon Hall, in 1898 Hanam rebuilt the large room, and in 1912 the abbot Beopyeon and Deoksan repaired the main hall. Later, in the 1980s, the main hall was rebuilt and the monks' quarters were reconstructed, leading to the present day. The buildings include Daeungjeon Hall, Samseonggak Shrine, Beomjonggak Bell Pavilion, and two buildings for monks' quarters. Artifacts include a stone pagoda and stone lantern fragments from the mid-Goryeo period. Among them, only the base and the first story body of the stone pagoda remain. Behind the temple, there is a rock where Wonhyo is said to have practiced seated meditation.