Sanasa Temple (Yangpyeong)

Located in Okcheon-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Sanasa Temple belongs to Bongseonsa Temple, the head temple of the 25th Diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is situated at the foot of Baegunbong Peak, the main peak of Yongmunsan Mountain. Sanasa Temple was founded in 923 (the 7th year of King Gyeongmyeong of Silla) by the eminent monk Daegyeongdaesa together with his disciple Yongmun. They built a five-story stone pagoda and enshrined a Vairocana Buddha statue, naming the temple Sanasa. In 1367 (the 16th year of King Gongmin of Goryeo), National Preceptor Taego Bowoo reconstructed it with about 140 kan (a traditional Korean unit of measurement for building size). On December 24, 1382 (the 8th year of King U of Goryeo), Monk Bowoo passed away at Soseoram Hermitage on Yongmunsan Mountain. The following year, in 1383, his disciple Dalsim erected Bowoo's stupa and stele at Sanasa Temple. The temple was burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War) that began in 1592 (the 25th year of King Seonjo). It was rebuilt in 1608 (the 41st year of King Seonjo) by donor Han Bang-son. In 1773 (the 51st year of King Yeongjo), local leaders in Yangpyeong-gun organized the Dangsan Association, donated farmland to the temple to establish a fund for Buddhist offerings, and erected a stele on the temple grounds to commemorate this. In 1907 (the 1st year of King Sunjong), the temple was completely burned down by the Japanese colonial authorities, who claimed it was a base for righteous armies resisting Japanese aggression. Two years later, in 1909, Gyeheon restored 15 kan of the main hall. In 1937, Abbot Maeng Hyeon-u reconstructed the main hall (Daeungjeon) with 15 kan and built the Patriarchs' Hall (Josajeon) with 5 kan. The temple was completely destroyed again during the Korean War (6·25 War) that began in 1950. In 1956, Abbot Kim Du-jun and Ham Mun-seong cooperated to rebuild the main hall and Sansingak (Mountain Spirit Hall) and built Hamsi-gak. In 1993, Abbot Han Yeong-sang reconstructed the main hall and the Ksitigarbha Hall (Jijangjeon). The current abbot, Hwaam Seunim, has revitalized the temple as a center for propagation, education, and prayer. On the temple grounds are the Stupa of National Preceptor Wonjeung and the Stone Bell-shaped Stele of National Preceptor Wonjeung, both designated as Gyeonggi-do Tangible Cultural Heritage.