Baengnyeonsa Temple (Seodaemun)

Baengnyeonsa Temple, a thousand-year-old temple located on the slopes of Baengnyeonsan Mountain in Seodaemun, was founded by Master Jinpyo in the 6th year of King Gyeongdeok of Silla (747). At that time, it was called Jeongtosa Temple, but it was renamed Baengnyeonsa Temple in the first year of King Jeongjong of the Joseon Dynasty. After King Jeongjong, the second king of Joseon, abdicated the throne to King Taejong, he stayed here for recuperation. It is said that Princess Uisuk, daughter of King Sejo of Joseon, lost her husband at the age of 20 and wandered to soothe her grief. Here, she saw a sea buckthorn tree (eomnamu) and realized the true meaning of life. Afterwards, it was established as the princess's wonjeong (prayer hall) and the name was changed to Baengnyeonsa Temple. According to one legend, when viewed from Gyeongbokgung Palace, it was located to the west, so it was called Seobangjeong or Jeongtosa. One summer, white lotuses suddenly bloomed in the pond, leading to the name change to Baengnyeonsa Temple. It was destroyed during the Imjin War (Japanese invasions) in the reign of King Seonjo but was immediately rebuilt, and has undergone several renovations since. Completed in 1965, the temple includes Geungnakjeon Hall, Muryangsujeon Hall with Amitabha Buddha, Wontongjeon Hall with Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, as well as Yaksajeon Hall, Gwaneumjeon Hall, Myeongbujeon Hall, Samseonggak Shrine, Dokseonggak Shrine, Beomjonggak Pavilion, and Haetallu Pavilion. It also houses a statue of Master Jeongpodae and a statue of Jeongto Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

Address: 170-43 Baengnyeonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Hongeun-dong)