Samcheonsa Temple (Seoul)

Samcheonsa Temple was founded in 661 by Great Master Wonhyo. According to the *Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam* and *Bukhanji*, the temple was once so large that it accommodated about 3,000 monks in ascetic practice, and the temple's name is presumed to have originated from this number. However, recent archaeological surveys have uncovered roof tiles inscribed with 'Samcheon (三川)' rather than 'Samcheon (三千),' indicating that the name was used in two different senses.

It is said that the temple served as a gathering place for monk soldiers during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) and did not escape the ravages of war. Later, Great Master Jinyeong restored the temple at the site of the Maaeyeorae Gilsang, where a hermitage of the temple once stood. In the 1970s, Monk Seongun resided here and helped designate the thousand-year-old ancient Buddha, the Maaeyeorae Iphasang (Treasure No. 657), as a national treasure. Subsequently, buildings such as Daeungbojeon, Sannyeonggak, Cheontaegak, Yeonsuwon, and Yosachae, as well as the Sejonjinsinsaritap, Jijangbosal Iphasang, Jonghyeongsaritap, Gwaneum Bosalsang, five-story stone pagoda, and Jungchangbi, were constructed, giving the temple its current appearance.