Heungwangs Temple

Heungwangs Temple is a Goryeo-era temple located between Geumdangcheon Stream, which flows into Silleuksa Temple, and Wanjangcheon Stream, which crosses Jungam-ri. It sits on a low hill. It is said to have been founded by Sodal in the early Goryeo period, or built by Hyegun (1351–1374) in the late Goryeo period, but the exact details are unknown. Heungwangs Temple is like a sibling to the famous temple Godalsa Temple in Yeoju, preserving the legend of Sodal and Godal from ancient times. Godal and Sodal were brothers who each harbored aspirations and devoted themselves to the Buddha, becoming monks. However, their aspirations differed: Godal built a temple that contributed to the nation, while Sodal considered the temple a place of truth and built a temple to enlighten sentient beings for a long time. Once, Godalsa Temple, built by Godal, flourished as a renowned temple of Goryeo but was abandoned early on, while Sangwangs Temple, built by Sodal, quietly continued its teachings and still maintains its Buddhist lamp. Thus, Heungwangs Temple on Sodalsan Mountain, in the form of a small hermitage, embodies the essence of a place of truth dedicated to enlightening sentient beings.