Bonginsa Temple (Gyeonggi)

Bonginsa Temple, located on Cheonmasan Mountain in Namyangju-si, was once a branch temple of Bongseonsa Temple but now belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The exact founding date of Bonginsa Temple is unknown, but according to the [Bongseonsa Bonmalsaji], it is known that the temple existed as early as the early to mid-Joseon Dynasty. In 1619 (the 11th year of King Gwanghaegun's reign), when Buddha's sarira were brought from China, King Gwanghaegun ordered a ritual official to build the Seokgabeopin Pagoda and Budoam Hermitage at this temple the following May. Later, Master Chuiu of Pungyang, who resided at Bonginsa Temple, cleaned and repaired the pagoda. During the late Joseon period under Japanese colonial rule, the Bonginsa Buddha Sarira Pagoda was taken to Japan, and the temple was completely burned down and abandoned. It was restored in 1979 by Dharma Master Han Gil-ro. In 1987, when the Japanese owner of the Bonginsa Buddha Sarira Pagoda passed away, the pagoda was returned to Korea. Recognized for its cultural heritage value, it was designated as a Treasure and stored in the National Museum of Korea's repository. At Bonginsa Temple, only the Buddha's true sarira are enshrined in a newly built replica pagoda. Next to the main hall of Bonginsa Temple, one can see a spectacular sight of 1,250 Arhat statues. These Arhat statues, each with different facial expressions as if embodying the joys, sorrows, and emotions of life, are said to represent the 1,250 disciples who attained enlightenment. Additionally, Bonginsa Temple has a place called the Cheonwon Store, named so because all items sold there cost 1,000 won each, and it is a store frequently used by temple stay participants. Bonginsa Temple operates both experiential and rest-type temple stay programs. When tired from the fatigue of daily life, it might be a good travel method to set everything aside for a while and have a healing time.