Sogwangsa, Buddhist temple in Kosan County, North Korea
Sogwangsa is a Buddhist temple located on the western slopes of Mount Jogyesan in Kangwon Province. The site contains four buildings today, including three reconstructed structures and the original Jogye Gate dating from 1783.
The temple was founded in 1386 during the Koryo dynasty and grew into one of Korea's largest Buddhist complexes with over 50 buildings. During the Korean War in 1951, American bombing operations destroyed nearly all structures, leaving only the Jogye Gate standing.
The temple maintains Buddhist practices through meditation sessions, religious ceremonies, and educational programs that teach traditional spiritual principles to practitioners.
The site is located in a mountainous area that is best explored on established paths. The modern reconstructions allow for good access to the temple complex, while the original gate serves as a notable landmark.
The Jogye Gate stands as the sole surviving structure from the original era and serves as a powerful reminder of the destruction the complex endured. Its presence marks an important connection to the site's distant past.
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