Myeongjusa Temple (Yangyang)

This is a temple located on Manwolsan Mountain in Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do. It was founded in the 12th year of King Mokjong of Goryeo (1009) by Great Masters Hyemyeong and Daeju, who chose a site on Manwolsan Mountain east of Odaesan Mountain. The temple was named 'Myeongjusa' by taking one character from each of the two masters' names. The fact that Vairocana Buddha was enshrined at the time of its founding indicates that it was a temple of the Hwaeom sect. In the late Joseon period, the temple's buildings were rebuilt several times due to fires, and by the 1910s, it had grown into a large temple complex with a total of 15 buildings. However, it was reduced to ruins and left unattended during the Korean War, and its current appearance dates from a restoration in 1979. Today, Myeongjusa is a modest-sized temple with a dharma hall, Samseonggak shrine, and monks' quarters remaining. Cultural properties include the Bronze Bell of Myeongjusa Temple in Yangyang (Gangwon-do Tangible Cultural Heritage) and the Stupas of Myeongjusa Temple in Yangyang (Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage Material). The bronze bell, 83 cm in height, was cast in the 30th year of King Sukjong of Joseon (1704) and exhibits the typical form of a late Joseon Buddhist bell. The stupas at the temple entrance attest to the temple's long history. In the stupa field, 12 stupas and 4 stele remain, which were gathered from various locations and moved to their current site in 1994 for preservation.