Bongjeongsa Temple

봉정사

A thousand-year-old mountain temple that preserves Geungnakjeon, Korea's oldest wooden building, and was visited by Britain's Queen. Inscribed in 2018 as part of the UNESCO "Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea" site.

Bongjeongsa Temple sits at the southern foot of Mount Cheongnyang, about 16 kilometers northwest of Andong. Legend says it was founded in 672 during the reign of King Munmu of Silla by Neung-in, a disciple of Master Uisang. While meditating on Mount Cheongnyang, Master Uisang is said to have folded a paper phoenix and released it, and the temple was built where the phoenix landed, hence the name "Bongjeong," meaning "phoenix stops." Geungnakjeon, the Hall of Supreme Bliss, is considered the oldest surviving wooden building in South Korea. When it was disassembled for repairs in 1972, a roof-beam inscription dating its reconstruction to 1363 was found, leading experts to conclude it was built before the early 13th century. It is designated a National Treasure. Daeungjeon, the main hall, is also a National Treasure-level building and preserves murals and a Buddhist altar from the early Joseon period. The temple is not large; its buildings are arranged in several courtyards following the mountain terrain, giving it a quiet, rustic character. The small garden at Yeongsanam hermitage is especially elegant, and the film "Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East?" was shot here. In 1999, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom visited Bongjeongsa during her trip to Andong. In 2018, the temple, along with six other temples including Tongdosa and Bulguksa, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under "Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea." Admission is about 2,000 won (the cultural property fee is waived during some periods; check on site). Getting there: take Bus 51 from downtown Andong, about 40 minutes, or about 25 minutes by car. Temple stays (Temple Stay) are available.

Bongjeongsa Temple

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