Sinheungsa Temple (Icheon)

Located on the mid-slope of Seolseongsan Mountain in Icheon, Sinheungsa Temple is a temple with a long history. It is a branch temple of Yongjusa Temple, the head temple of the second diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and has been designated as a traditional temple of Gyeonggi Province. Situated at the midpoint encircled by Seolseongsanseong Fortress, Sinheungsa Temple is said to have been founded during the reign of King Naemul of Silla (r. 356–402). A legend tells that it was built for the general who constructed Seolseong Fortress, but since Buddhism had not yet been introduced to Silla at that time and no records of its history exist until the late Joseon period, the exact founding date and detailed history of the temple remain unknown. After being abandoned for a long time, it was rebuilt in the late 1700s, reconstructed for the third time in 1918, and then rebuilt by the then-abbot Haesong after being lost to flood damage in 1944, reaching its present state. The temple grounds include several halls such as Geungnakbojeon, Cheonbuljeon, Beomjonggak, Sanryeonggak, and monks' quarters, as well as Icheon Seolseongsanseong Fortress, built during the 6th–7th century as Silla advanced into the Han River basin, and the Seoneup-ri Standing Stone Buddha at the foot of the mountain. In particular, the Seoneup-ri Standing Stone Buddha, estimated to have been created from the late Unified Silla period to the early Goryeo period, was originally scattered and buried in a stream and rice paddies in front of Seoneup-ri Village. It was uncovered by summer rains in 1978 and placed in the village square, before being moved to its current location by Ven. Wolseon, the then-abbot of Sinheungsa Temple. Strolling through the charmingly decorated temple grounds is good for healing the body and mind, and the open view from the mountain peak offers a refreshing experience. However, as the area is not heavily frequented and the undergrowth is quite dense, those wishing to hike are advised to wear long pants.