Bongwonsa

In 889 the Great Master Dosean built Bongwon-sa, Seoul on the place where later today's Yonsei University has been constructed. With the help of the King's the high monk Chanjeub and Zen master Jeungarm moved the temple to the current site in the year 1748. The current signboard was autographed by a great Confucianist, Jeong Dojeon.

Bongwon-sa has undergone recurring reconstruction in order to reach the present grandeur. What you will see by reaching there is the look given to the temple in the year 1911 by Yi Bodam. Delving into the history of Bongwon-sa, Seoul, you will get to know that in December 1945, honoring Korea's Independence, Kim Giwol, Kim Unpa, and all the inhabitant monks of this temple donated to build a large scale shrine. However, unfortunately it was shattered during the Korean War. Thereafter, in the year 1966, Choi Yungwoi who was the abbot at the time set up the present main shrine on the previous site.

Being the head temple for the T'aego order of Korean Buddhists, Bongwon-sa, Seoul cherishes several cultural customs. Yi Manbong and Park Songam are dwelling on the temple grounds. Presently this temple is pushing enormous efforts for missionary work. It has also many Buddhist Groups namely, the Bongwon Buddhist Student Association, Kwaneum Layman Association, and Ogcheon Buddhism Song Research Institute.

Yeongsanjae
A purified re-enactment of the historical sermon composed of various types of dance and ceremonies of the Saddharma Pundarica Sutra by Buddha is called Yeongsanjae. Chosen as Important Intangible Cultural Property, the contestants in this conventional ceremony pray for reunification of South and North Korea and peace in the world. If you come to this place at the time of this festival you will get to have a unique chance to experience various features of authentic Korean Buddhist culture, including vegetarian foods.