Hoeryongsa | Attraction Guide | K-Travel Mate

Located in the mountains of Sapaesan, Hoeryongsa Temple is associated with legends involving Taejo Yi Seong-gye, Muhak Daesa, and Taejong Yi Bang-won, the founders of the Joseon Dynasty. It is a subordinate temple of Bongseonsa, the head temple of the 25th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, designated as Gyeonggi-do Traditional Temple No. 7, and is a nunnery. Although often called Dobongsan Hoeryongsa, it is actually located on Sapaesan, a peak at one edge of Dobongsan, within Bukhansan National Park. Starting from Hoeryong Station Exit 1 and the Hoeryong Exploration Support Center, visitors can reach the temple by following a hiking trail. Founded in 681 (Shinmunwang 1, Unified Silla) by Uisang, it was originally named Beopseongsa. It was rebuilt by Dongjinguksa in 936 (Gyeongsunwang 10, Unified Silla) and restored thrice by Hyegeoguksa in 1070 (Munjong 24, Goryeo). The temple's name changed to Hoeryongsa due to connections with Muhak Daesa and Taejo Yi Seong-gye. The first origin dates to 1384 (Goryeo Uwang 10) when Muhak Daesa renovated the temple. Taejo prayed for three years with Muhak at Seokguram and Muhak Cave respectively, then left for military service, leaving Muhak to build a small temple housing a self-made Avalokitesvara statue to pray for Taejo's success. After becoming king, Yi Seong-gye visited and named it Hoeryongsa. Seokguram, where Yi Seong-gye stayed, remains as a temple hermitage, also known as Kim Gu's refuge before exiling to Shanghai. Kim Gu left a handwritten note there after liberation, engraved at the entrance. The location of Muhak Cave is unknown. The second legend states that in 1403 (Joseon Taejong 3), after Taejo’s return from Hamheung, he visited Muhak at this temple and Muhak joyfully named it Hoeryongsa, meaning "Returning Phoenix and Dragon." Near the temple entrance is a monument marking the meeting of Taejo Yi Seong-gye and Taejong Yi Bang-won, commemorating Taejo’s persuasion by Muhak to return to Hanyang and the subsequent welcoming by Taejong. This area is thus called Jeonja Village, reflected in the temple’s address. Since the founding of Joseon, Hoeryongsa maintained close ties with the royal family. It was rebuilt by 60 nuns in 1630 (Injo 8), restored by Choi Seong-i in 1881 (Gojong 18), and again by nun Sun-ak in 1938. It suffered great damage during the Korean War but was rebuilt in 1954 by nun Dojun and has since undergone continual restoration. The premises include the Hoeryongsa Five-story Stone Pagoda and Hoeryongsa Stone Sculpture, designated as Gyeonggi-do Tangible Cultural Properties, and the Uijeongbu Hoeryongsa Shin Jungdo, designated as Gyeonggi-do Cultural Material. The stone pagoda, restored after the Korean War, and the stone sculpture, dating from the 15th century, are valuable artifacts indicating the temple’s former size. Although the pagoda is said to enshrine a relic of Uisang, its style suggests it is from the Joseon era rather than the Silla period. The Shin Jungdo, made in 1887 by Shin Guk for his parents, was created by Gyeongseongdang Eungseok, a leading Buddhist painter based at Heungguksa in Namyangju at the time.