• Category : Temple
• Designated as : Many kinds such as National Treasure No. 15 (Geukrakjeon), National Treasure No. 311 (Daeungjeon), etc.
• Era : Shilla Dynasty
• Public transportation: Bus route 351

Bongjeongsa Temple was founded in 672 CE, during the 12th year of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty, by Monk Neungin, a disciple of the renowned Buddhist master Uisang. The temple is located on Cheondeungsan Mountain, which was originally called Daemangsan. According to legend, when Monk Neungin was young, he practiced asceticism in a cave on Daemangsan. One day, a celestial maiden, moved by his spiritual power, descended from the heavens and lit the cave with a lantern. After this event, the mountain was renamed Cheondeungsan, meaning “Heavenly Lantern Mountain,” and the cave became known as Cheondeunggul, or “Heavenly Lantern Cave.” Later, as Monk Neungin continued his spiritual practice, he folded a paper phoenix and released it into the air using his spiritual energy. The phoenix flew and came to rest at the site where the temple now stands. Inspired by this, he named the temple Bongjeongsa, combining the characters for “phoenix” (鳳) and “to stay” (停). The temple has undergone six major renovations throughout its history. It houses a number of cultural treasures, including Geungnakjeon Hall (National Treasure No. 15), Daeungjeon Hall (National Treasure No. 311), Hwaeomgangdang Lecture Hall (Treasure No. 448), and Gogeumdang Hall (Treasure No. 449). Other important structures include Deokhwiru Pavilion, Muryanghaehoe Hall, Samsunggak Shrine, a three-story stone pagoda, and several affiliated hermitages such as Yeongsanam, Jijoam, and Jungam. Bongjeongsa is also known for its serene natural setting and historical significance. It has been visited by notable figures, including King Taejo and King Gongmin of the Goryeo Dynasty, and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 1999.