Donghwasa Temple | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Donghwasa Temple is a historic Silla dynasty temple located in the Dohak-dong valley, where the Palgongsan waterfalls, Bindae-gol, and Susut-gol valleys converge on either side. It is the main temple of the 9th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was originally founded by Geukdan in 493 AD (King Soji's 15th year) and called Yugasa. Later, in 832 AD (King Heungdeok's 7th year), the royal preceptor Simji reconstructed it. Despite being winter, paulownia flowers were in full bloom around the temple, so it was renamed Donghwasa. Most of the existing buildings date from a restoration during the reign of King Yeongjo, including the Daeungjeon Hall, Yeonggyeongjeon, Cheontaegak, Yeongsanjeon, Bongseoru, Simgeomdang, Chilseonggak, Sansingak, Eunghyanggak, Wonimgak, and Cheonanmun. Subsidiary hermitages include Geumdangam, Biroam, Naewonam, Budoam, Yangjinam, and Yeombulam. Donghwasa is also the gateway to various hiking trails in Palgongsan National Park. Paths from the temple lead to Yeombul Peak or Dong Peak via Yeombulam Hermitage, ascend ridges along Bindae-gol valley, and follow Pokpogol from the temple stay entrance to Doma-jae (Sinryeong-jae) or Bareun-jae. Throughout the year, many visitors come to enjoy walking along mountain and valley scenery.