Gukhyeongsa Temple

Located in Haenggu-dong, Wonju-si, Gukhyeongsa Temple is a branch temple of Woljeongsa, the head temple of the 4th Diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was founded by Master Muchak during the reign of King Gyeongsun of Silla. Originally named Bomunam Hermitage, the name changed to Gomunam (古文庵) due to a shift in pronunciation related to defense. During the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo Yi Seong-gye enshrined the Dongak Spirit (東岳神) here and built an altar, offering annual rites to pray for national peace and prosperity, which led to the name Guksangsa. According to another account, when the illness of Princess Huihui, the second daughter of King Jeongjong of Joseon, was cured after a hundred-day prayer at this temple, King Jeongjong was delighted and greatly expanded the temple grounds, renaming it Gukhyeongsa. The temple was later abandoned in 1680 and restored in 1907, 1945, and 1974. Current buildings include the Daeungjeon Hall, Sugwangjeon Hall, Dongakdan Altar, Beomjonggak Pavilion, and Seungdang Monks' Quarters. Among its cultural properties is the stupa (浮屠) of Great Seon Master Jinamdang, erected in 1799.