Bomunsa Temple (Seoul)

Bomunsa Temple, registered as a traditional temple of Seoul, is located in Bomun-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and was founded by National Preceptor Damjin in 1115 (the 10th year of King Yejong of Goryeo). In particular, the 『Toegyeong Complete Works - Bomunsa Temple New Construction Record』 written by Toegyeong Kwon Sang-ro (1879~1965) records it as a bhikkhuni temple where nuns have resided since ancient times, praying for the nation's peace and the prosperity of the royal family. The details of the intervening period were not passed down, but in 2017, during the repair work of Geungnakbojeon Hall, a perfectly preserved foundation-laying document was discovered, confirming historical facts. Geungnakbojeon Hall, which took its current form, was first rebuilt in 1747 (the 23rd year of King Yeongjo), underwent its first repair in 1824 (the 24th year of King Sunjo), and its second repair in 1865 (the 2nd year of King Gojong). According to the Toegyeong Complete Works, Monk Subong Beopchong built Manse-ru Pavilion in 1826, and Monk Jeongun built the left and right monk quarters in 1827. In 1842, Monk Yeongjeon repaired Manse-ru Pavilion, and in 1872, Monk Geumhun repaired the left and right monk quarters.

With the discovery of the foundation-laying document of Geungnakbojeon Hall, it was revealed that from the 1800s onward, nuns have continuously resided at Bomunsa Temple, practicing and cultivating. In particular, the foundation-laying document from the 4th year of Tongzhi shows that as a royal votive temple, the temple carried out Buddhist projects with offerings from the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty, and participants ranged from court ladies and senior court ladies to nobles and commoners.