Baengnyeonsa Temple (Seodaemun)

Baengnyeonsa Temple, a thousand-year-old temple located on the slopes of Baengnyeonsan Mountain in Seodaemun, was founded by Master Jinpyo in the 6th year of King Gyeongdeok of Silla (747). At that time, it was called Jeongtosa Temple, but it was renamed Baengnyeonsa Temple in the first year of King Jeongjong of the Joseon Dynasty. After King Jeongjong, the second king of Joseon, abdicated the throne to King Taejong, he stayed here for recuperation. It is said that Princess Uisuk, daughter of King Sejo of Joseon, lost her husband at the age of 20 and wandered to soothe her grief. Upon seeing a haedongmuk (castor aralia) tree here, she realized the true meaning of life. Later, she designated this temple as her wonbang (royal shrine) and changed its name to Baengnyeonsa Temple. According to another account, because the temple was located to the west when viewed from Gyeongbokgung Palace, it was called Seobangjeong or Jeongtosa. One summer, white lotuses suddenly bloomed in the pond, leading to the name change to Baengnyeonsa Temple. The temple was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) in the reign of King Seonjo but was immediately rebuilt, and it has undergone several renovations since. Completed in 1965, the temple complex includes Geungnakjeon Hall, Muryangsujeon Hall (housing Amitabha Buddha), Wontongjeon Hall (housing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva), Yaksajeon Hall, Gwaneumjeon Hall, Myeongbujeon Hall, Samseonggak Shrine, Dokseonggak Shrine, Beomjonggak Pavilion, and Haetallu Pavilion. It also houses a statue of Master Jeongpo and a statue of Jeongto Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

Address: 170-43, Baengnyeonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Hongeun-dong)