Bonginsa Temple

Bonginsa Temple, located on Cheonmasan Mountain in Namyangju-si, was once a branch temple of Bongseonsa Temple but now belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The exact founding date of Bonginsa is unknown, but according to the [Bongseonsa Bonmalsaji], it is known that the temple existed as early as the early to mid-Joseon period. In 1619 (the 11th year of King Gwanghaegun's reign), when the Buddha's sarira was brought from China, King Gwanghaegun ordered a ritual official to build the Seokgabeobin Pagoda and Budoam Hermitage at this temple the following May. Later, Master Pungyang Chiu, who resided at Bonginsa, cleaned and repaired the area around the pagoda. During the late Joseon period under Japanese colonial rule, the Bonginsa Buddha Sarira Pagoda was taken to Japan, and the temple was completely burned down and abandoned, until it was restored in 1979 by Dharma Master Hangil. In 1987, when the Japanese owner of the Bonginsa Buddha Sarira Pagoda passed away, the pagoda was returned to Korea, and recognized for its cultural heritage value, it was designated as a Treasure and stored in the National Museum of Korea's repository. At Bonginsa, only the Buddha's true sarira are enshrined in a newly built replica pagoda. Next to the main hall of Bonginsa, one can see a spectacular sight of 1,250 arhat statues. These arhat statues, each with different expressions as if embodying the joys, sorrows, and emotions of life, are said to represent the 1,250 disciples who attained enlightenment. Additionally, Bonginsa has a place called the Cheonwon Store, named because all items sold there cost 1,000 won, and it is a store frequently used by temple stay participants. Bonginsa operates both experiential and rest-type temple stay programs. When tired from the fatigue of daily life, it might be a good way to travel to set everything down for a while and have a healing time.