Yongjusa, Buddhist temple on Hwasan slopes in Hwaseong, South Korea
Yongjusa is a large Buddhist temple situated on Hwasan mountain slopes in Hwaseong with multiple structures arranged across the grounds. The main hall Daewoongbojeon contains a central Buddha statue and decorative wall paintings created by the renowned artist Kim Hong-do.
The temple was originally founded in 854 as Garyangsa and underwent major reconstruction in 1790 under King Jeongjo's reign. This renovation was commissioned as a memorial to honor the king's father, Prince Sado.
This temple serves as a spiritual center where Buddhist practitioners gather for daily ceremonies and meditation. Visitors can observe monks engaged in traditional practices throughout the complex.
The temple is spread across the mountainside, so plan for some walking on uneven paths to see all the buildings and areas. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time if you want to explore every section and admire the details.
Two ancient bells housed here date back to the Unified Silla period, with one officially recognized as National Treasure number 120 of South Korea. The wooden Buddhist tablet displays intricate dragon designs rendered in white and gold with red, green, and blue decorative elements added during the 1790 renovation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
