E2024-G032

Wonhyosa Temple: Legacy of Monk Wonhyo

Narrative

Wonhyosa Temple, located at the foot of Mudeungsan Mountain, is a branch temple of Songgwangsa Temple, Suncheon, the 21st district head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is believed to have been founded by Monk Wonhyo (617-681), a renowned Buddhist monk of the Silla period. Within the temple grounds remains the Stupa of Monk Wonhyo, presumed to have been erected in his honor.

The temple was destroyed during the Korean War (1950-1953), and restoration work began in 1954 under the guidance of Monk Ingok and with the support of local devotees. During the restoration, hundreds of artifacts were unearthed, and selected items were later designated as Gwangju Tangible Cultural Heritage with the title of Artifacts Excavated from Wonhyosa Temple. These artifacts are currently housed in the Gwangju National Museum and the Songgwangsa Museum. A bronze temple bell made in 1710 at Mansusa Temple, Damyang, is also preserved at Wonhyosa Temple and has likewise been designated as Gwangju Tangible Cultural Heritage. Today, Wonhyosa Temple serves as a place for Buddhist practice and also offers opportunities to experience Buddhist culture through temple stay programs and the Wonhyosa Temple Culture & Arts Festival.

Story Map

• Gwangju, Stories Etched in Buddhist Temples
  • Wonhyosa Temple: Legacy of Monk Wonhyo
  • Jeungsimsa Temple: A Repository of Buddhist Heritage
  • Hyangnimsa Temple: A Contemporary Temple Bridging Education and Buddhist Tradition
  • Yaksaam Hermitage: A Sacred Site of the Medicine Buddha on Mudeungsan Mountain
  • Munbinjeongsa Temple: A Place of Art, Democracy, and Remembrance