Heungguksa Temple | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Heungguksa Temple in Namyangju is a temple on Suraksan Mountain, founded during the Three Kingdoms period by Won-gwang of Silla. When it was founded by Won-gwan, creator of the Hwarangdo Secular Five Precepts, it was called 'Suraksa.' Later, in 1568 (Seonjo 1), King Seonjo built a spirit hall at Suraksa for his biological father, Deokheung Daewongun, naming it 'Heungdeoksa' by royal plaque. It was destroyed during the Imjin War and rebuilt during the reign of King Injo, the 16th king, when it was renamed Heungguksa. King Seonjo greatly renovated Heungguksa while establishing his father's tomb nearby, praying for his blessed rebirth, thereby making Heungguksa a royal temple of the Joseon dynasty. Because of Deokheung Daewongun's tomb, it is also called 'Deokjeol.' Many cultural properties can be found throughout the temple. The representative cultural property is the registered cultural asset 'Daebang,' with the Heungguksa plaque written by Heungseon Daewongun, father of King Gojong. Heungseon Daewongun's calligraphy appears on various structures, including the Yeongsanjeon plaque and couplets, as well as the Manwolbojeon couplets, showing the temple’s royal status until King Gojong's era. The Daeungbojeon, designated as a cultural material of Gyeonggi-do, is the main building of Heungguksa, having undergone several fires and restorations. Inside the Daeungjeon is the Gyeonggi-do tangible cultural asset 'Wooden Seated Sakyamuni Triad Statue.' Additionally, the Yeongsanjeon of Gyeonggi-do tangible cultural assets contains the treasure 'Gilt Seated Shakyamuni Triad and Sixteen Arhats Statues' inside.