03 · Korean Temple Monasteries (Sansa) Route
Bongjeongsa Temple
Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, the mountain temple where once the phoenix nested
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Planning the visit
Bongjeongsa Temple is stop 5 of 9 on the Korean Temple Monasteries (Sansa) Route.
The stamp is not at the site itself but at the Cultural commentator office at the tourist information center, so check the opening hours of that building rather than the site.
Admission is charged: Adults KRW 2,000 / Teenagers, Soldiers KRW 1,300 / Children KRW 600.
The two closest stamp points are Byeongsanseowon, 16 km away, and Hahoe Village at 18 km. All three fit into one day.
This stamp counts for the Golden Era Route too, but one stamping only fills one passport page. Stamp it twice if you want both.
Details
- Address
- 222, Bongjeongsa-gil, Seohu-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Stamp zone
- Cultural commentator office at the tourist information center
- Hours
- May~September (Summer) 하절기 09:00 - 19:00 October~April (Winter) 09:00 - 18:00
- Admission
- Adults KRW 2,000 / Teenagers, Soldiers KRW 1,300 / Children KRW 600
- Phone
- 054-853-4181
- Website
- www.bongjeongsa.org
- Coordinates
- 36.65327, 128.66272
What the campaign says about it
It is said that Bongjeongsa Temple located on Cheondeungsan Mountain was founded in 672 CE (12th year of King Munmu) by Neungin Daesa, who was a disciple of Uisang Daesa. Bongjeong (鳳停), in other words, the “residence of the phoenix,” is surrounded by trees and mountain ranges, giving the whole Temple a cozy feel. Bongjeongsa Temple is home to Geungnakjeon Hall (national treasure), which is the oldest wooden structure in Korea. The Temple’s Daeungjeon Hall and Geungnakjeon Hall each have a dedicated courtyard, and represent the Buddha and Maitreya faith, respectively. Geuknakjeon Hall at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong Geuknakjeon Hall was originally named Daejangjeon Hall, but was later renamed. When the Hall was repaired in 1972, archaeologists discovered records of a previous roof repair done in 1363 CE (12th year of King Gongmin of Goryeo). Given that most wooden buildings undergo repairs 100 to 150 years into their lives, experts believe that Geuknakjeon Hall was built sometime in the early 1200s, which would make it the oldest wooden structure in Korea.
Quoted from the Visit Korean Heritage Campaign.
Getting there
Get off at the KTX Andong station → Take bus no. 351 at Andong Bus Terminal bus stop → Get off at Cheondeungsan Mountain bus stop
Photographs
Photographs supplied by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation.