Cheonbosa Temple (Gyeonggi)

Cheonbosa Temple is a temple located halfway up Mt. Buramsan in Namyangju. Regarding its founding, the 'Annals of King Munjong' records a petition from the State Council on March 15, 1451, proposing the abolition of wonyu (Buddhist prayer halls), in which Mt. Buramsan is referred to as 'the mountain near Cheonbosa Temple.' Later, it fell into disrepair during the Japanese colonial period, but after 1955, Monk Donghun rebuilt it, leading to its present state. Mt. Buramsan, meaning 'Buddha Rock Mountain,' gets its name because its main peak resembles a Buddha wearing a songnak (a nun's hat). Another name for Mt. Buramsan is Cheonbosan. On this mountain, which is both Cheonbosan and Buramsan, there are both Buramsa Temple and Cheonbosa Temple. Cheonbosa Temple is located about 500 meters southwest of Buramsa Temple, and the hiking trail is steep, making it not easy to climb. After passing through the dense forest and reaching the Cheonbosa Temple grounds, you can see the entire Namyangju Byeollae New Town at a glance. Climbing the steep cement path in front of the Bell Pavilion reveals a huge natural rock wall, and in front of the rock wall stands the Daeungjeon Hall of Cheonbosa Temple, a sight that evokes admiration from visitors. Cheonbosa Temple has been known since ancient times as a natural sacred palace and a temple famous for efficacious prayers. On the stone embankment built beneath the rock wall, there is a seated Maitreya Buddha statue and a five-story stone pagoda. The five-story stone pagoda is the oldest structure at Cheonbosa Temple and exhibits the style of the late Joseon Dynasty. Mt. Buramsan, where Cheonbosa Temple is located, has an elevation of 508 meters and features about 10 major hiking trails. The trails are relatively flat, making it easy for even beginner hikers to reach the summit. The scenery is beautiful, so if you are heading to the temple, a hike is also recommended.