Cheonchuksa Temple (Seoul)

Cheonchuksa Temple is a traditional temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Nowon No. 9-1) with a history of over 1,300 years. During the Unified Silla period, in 673 (the 13th year of King Munmu), Master Uisang founded the temple and called it Okcheonam because the water was so clear. During the Goryeo period, the Indian monk Zhigong told Monk Naong, “The scenery here resembles Yeongchuksan Mountain in Cheonchukguk (present-day India).” Later, in 1398, King Taejo Yi Seong-gye performed a 100-day prayer at Okcheonam and founded the Joseon Dynasty. In the 7th year of King Taejo's reign, the temple was rebuilt, and he bestowed the name Cheonchuksa, using the characters for 'heaven' (cheon) and 'country name' (chuk), meaning 'a peaceful place where the Buddha always resides.' Cheonchuksa Temple was directly involved with the royal court, being rebuilt in 1474 (the 5th year of King Seongjong) by royal command. During the reign of King Myeongjong, Queen Munjeong donated a Hwaryuyongsang (Treasure No. 366, currently stored in the Buddhist Central Museum) to be used as an altar. In 1812 (the 12th year of King Sunjo), Gyeonghak rebuilt it as a royal prayer hall. It was renovated in 1959 and has undergone several reconstructions since, maintaining its current form. In 1964, Cheonchuksa Temple renovated Korea's first Mumun-gwan (a meditation hall without doors), continuing its tradition of pure practice as a fundamental temple.