Baengnyeonsa Temple (Yongin)

Located halfway up Hyangsu Mountain in Yongin, Baengnyeonsa Temple is the oldest temple in Yongin and is also called Baengnyeonam Hermitage. It is a branch temple of Yongjusa Temple, the head temple of the 2nd Diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and has been designated as a traditional temple of Gyeonggi Province. It was founded in 801 (the 2nd year of King Aejang of Unified Silla) by Master Sineung. The current temple grounds include Daeungjeon Hall, Jijangjeon Hall, Nahanjeon Hall, a monks' quarters, and Samseonggak Shrine. There are no notable cultural properties, but the arhat statues said to have been created by Master Muhak are made of granite and are unique in technique and form. The current monks' quarters was originally used as a shrine; until the 1960s, the ridges of the monks' quarters and Daeungjeon Hall each had a blue roof tile handed down from the Goryeo period, but these were later replaced with replicas. To the north of the temple are the stupas of Sugyeongdang and Dowon, a 132cm-high bell-shaped stupa from the mid-Joseon period. On the stone platform in front of Sansingak Shrine is a 66cm-high stone seated Buddha statue presumed to be from the Goryeo period. Everland and Hoam Art Museum are located against the backdrop of Hyangsu Mountain. To reach Baengnyeonsa Temple, head toward the main gate of Everland, pass Hoam Art Museum a little, and turn left. The path up to the temple is a forested area with beautiful scenery, making it an excellent hiking course. It takes about 12 minutes by car from Maseong IC. Everland and Hoam Art Museum are nearby, and other attractions include Gyeonggi Provincial Museum, Gyeonggi Children's Museum, and Korean Folk Village.