Sangwonsa Temple (Yongmunsan Mountain)

Sangwonsa Temple is located 3.5 km west of Yongmunsa Temple. Based on artifacts, it is presumed to have been founded during the Goryeo Dynasty. It is also called Sangwonam Hermitage. It belongs to Bongseonsa Temple, the head temple of the 25th Diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The exact founding date is unknown, but artifacts suggest it was established in the Goryeo period. In the 1330s, Bowoo stayed and practiced at this temple; in 1398, Joan rebuilt it; and Great Master Muhak stayed briefly after resigning as the royal preceptor. In 1458, it housed the Tripitaka Koreana from Haeinsa Temple. In 1462, King Sejo visited here, personally saw Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and issued a royal order for a major renovation. Choi Hang recorded this event in the 'Gwaneum Hyeonsanggi' (Record of the Manifestation of Avalokiteshvara), which is still extant.

In 1463, the king personally visited, and it became the votive temple (wonchal) of Grand Prince Hyoryeong. It underwent continuous repairs, but in 1907, during the Righteous Army uprising, Japanese soldiers set fire to it, leaving only the main hall. In 1918, Hwasong restored the large room, and in 1934, Gyeongeon built a guest room, but during the Korean War, it was burned down again during the Battle of Yongmunsan Mountain. In 1969, Deoksong began restoration and separated it from Yongmunsa Temple's hermitage. In 1970, Gyeonghanni restored the monks' quarters; in 1972, the Samseonggak Hall; in 1975, the Daeungjeon Hall; and in 1977, the Yonghwajeon Hall and Cheonghakdang Hall were built. Yongmunsan Mountain is the third highest mountain in Gyeonggi Province after Hwaaksan and Myeongjisan, featuring奇特 rocks and high peaks. Originally called Mijisan, it is said that after the founding of Joseon and King Taejo's ascension, the name was changed to 'Yongmunsan'.