Bomunsa Temple (Seoul)

Bomunsa Temple, registered as a traditional temple of Seoul, is located in Bomun-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and was founded in 1115 (the 10th year of King Yejong of Goryeo) by National Preceptor Damjin (曇眞國師). In particular, the 『Toegyeong Complete Works - Bomunsa Temple New Construction Record (普門寺一新建築記)』 written by Toegyeong Kwon Sang-ro (1879~1965) records it as a bhikkhuni temple where bhikkhunis (nuns) have resided since ancient times, praying for the peace of the nation and the prosperity of the royal family. The details of the intervening period were not passed down, but in 2017, during the reconstruction of Geungnakbojeon Hall, a perfectly preserved ridge beam document was discovered, confirming historical facts. Geungnakbojeon Hall, which has its current form, was first rebuilt in 1747 (the 23rd year of King Yeongjo), underwent its first repair in 1824 (the 24th year of King Sunjo), and its second repair in 1865 (the 2nd year of King Gojong). According to the Toegyeong Complete Works, Monk Subong Beopchong (秀峰法聰) built Manse-ru Pavilion in 1826, and Monk Jeongun (正雲) built the left and right monk quarters in 1827. In 1842, Monk Yeongjeon (永典) repaired Manse-ru Pavilion, and in 1872, Monk Geumhun (錦勳) repaired the left and right monk quarters.

With the discovery of the ridge beam document of Geungnakbojeon Hall, it is evident that from the 1800s, bhikkhunis continuously resided at Bomunsa Temple, practicing and cultivating. In particular, the ridge beam document from the 4th year of Tongzhi (1865) shows that as a temple sponsored by the royal family, it received offerings from the Joseon Dynasty's royal family to carry out Buddhist projects, and participants ranged from court ladies, senior court ladies, and other palace women to the nobility and commoners.