Sinheungsa Temple (Seoraksan)

Sinheungsa Temple was founded by Great Master Jajang during the reign of Queen Jindeok of the Silla Dynasty, and was initially called Hyangseongsa Temple. It was first built on the site of the current Kensington Hotel, but after being destroyed by fire several times, it was rebuilt at its present location during the reign of King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty. According to a legend, at the time of the reconstruction, three monks—Yeongseo, Hyewon, and Yeonok—each had the same dream in which a white-haired deity appeared and designated the temple site. They then built the temple below the old site and named it Sinheungsa. Originally, the name Sinheungsa (神興寺) meant that the temple prospered through divine guidance, but in 1995, the character was changed to the new character 新 (sin), reflecting the wish to newly revive Buddhism in the Yeongdong region. Sinheungsa Temple also operates a templestay program where visitors can experience and learn about Buddhist traditions and culture.