Baegunsa Temple (Uiwang)

Baegunsa Temple, located on the mid-western slope of Baegunsan Mountain near Uiwang City Hall, is a modest-sized temple rebuilt by the Cheongpung Kim clan in the late Joseon period. The exact year of its initial foundation is unknown, but it existed during the Joseon Dynasty. It was destroyed by a forest fire in 1894 (the 31st year of King Gojong's reign) and was rebuilt the following year in 1895 (the 32nd year of King Gojong's reign) by the Cheongpung Kim clan as a small hermitage with a floor area of about 20 pyeong at its current location, undergoing several repairs thereafter. In 1955, it became famous as a place where Geumo, a great Seon master representing modern Korean Buddhist history, stayed and guided ascetic monks. In 1971, Bhikkhuni Jeonghwa expanded and renovated the Dharma hall and built a new monks' quarters, leading to its present state. The temple grounds contain three buildings: the Daeungjeon (main hall), monks' quarters, and a restroom. It holds regular Dharma meetings and Dharma meetings for children, students, and youth. It takes about 5 minutes from Uiwang IC. Nearby attractions include Cheonggyesan Mountain, Gwanggyosan Mountain, Baegun Lake, Lotte Premium Outlet Time Villas, and Anyang Art Park.