Manyeonsa Temple (Hwasun)

Manyeonsa Temple, a branch temple of Songgwangsa Temple (the main temple of the 21st Diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism), is said to have been founded in 1208 (the 4th year of King Huijong of Goryeo) by Seon Master Manyeon at the foot of Manyeonsan (Nahansan) Mountain. According to legend, after completing his ascetic practices at Wonhyosa Temple on Mudeungsan Mountain, Seon Master Manyeon was returning to Songgwangsa Temple on Jogyesan Mountain. When he reached the middle of Manyeonsan Mountain, he felt tired and lay down to rest, falling asleep. In his dream, he saw the Sixteen Arhats (disciples entrusted by the Buddha) engaged in construction work (civil engineering or architecture) to enshrine Sakyamuni Buddha. Upon waking, he looked around and saw that snow had fallen, covering everything in white. Miraculously, only the area where he had been lying was melted, with steam rising. He then built a hermitage there, practiced asceticism, and later established Manyeonsa Temple.

Existing buildings include Daeungjeon Hall, Nahanjeon Hall, and the monks' quarters. Subsidiary hermitages include Seonjeongam Hermitage and Seongjuam Hermitage. Artifacts include a triad of Buddha statues carved from a single juniper log, believed to be from the late Goryeo period, and a bronze bell that boasts a long history.