Heungboksa | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Heungboksa is a branch temple of Geumsansa, the head temple of the 17th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was founded in 650 (the 10th year of King Uija) by Bodeok, who came from Goguryeo, originally named Seunggasa. Although it was rebuilt and repaired several times, the current state is unknown. In 1597 (the 30th year of King Seonjo), during the Japanese invasions, the temple was completely burned down and became ruins. In 1625 (the 3rd year of King Injo), Heungbok the hermit, living in Gimje, inspired by Buddha, rebuilt the Geungnakjeon Hall, naming the temple Heungboksa. The temple declined again but began to develop significantly in modern times after Beopun monk repaired Geungnakjeon and Gwaneumjeon in 1943. During the Buddhist Purification Movement in 1954, it became the administrative headquarters of the order, and in 1961, Ven. Wolju concurrently served as the chief monk of both Geumsansa and Heungboksa, playing a central role in the purification movement in Jeollabuk-do. Between 1976 and 1979, major reconstruction rejuvenated the temple. Buildings such as Daeungjeon, Mita-jeon, Mireukjeon, Samseonggak, Sacheonwangjeon, Jeonghyewon (monks' quarters), and others like Yosa and Bulyugak (a bell tower) are spaciously arranged. Within the temple grounds, there is a sacred tree estimated to be around 600 years old and a well called Seolcheon.