Sinheungsa Temple

SOUTH KOREA, Gangwon, Sokcho

Sinheungsa means Newly Raised Temple. It is located within Seoraksan National Park. The temple was established by Vinaya Master Jajang in 652 during the Silla dynasty. Together with Woljeongsa Temple, it was built to house the Buddha relics brought back by Master Jajang from China. The temple was destroyed by fire in 698 but was rebuilt three years later by Master Uisang. In 1642 the temple was again destroyed by fire. It is said that three monks, Yeongseo, Yeonok, and Hyeowon, then had a dream of deities who suggested that the temple be rebuilt at the current location.
The buildings of the temple include the Heavenly King Gate, Dharma Hall, Great Hero Hall, Ultimate Bliss Hall, Judgment Hall, Seven Star Shrine, and Universal Liberation Building.
The three-by-three bay Ultimate Bliss Hall has a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. The stone steps in front of the hall are made from whole blocks of stone and are decorated with a dragon head at each end. The doors of the central bay are crafted with lattice work and floral patterns. The multi-tier bracket sets and paintings beneath the eaves are elaborate. Within the hall there are statues of Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. The hall was listed as a Provincial Tangible Cultural Property No. 14 in 1971.
At the entrance there is a bronze statue of a seated Maitreya Buddha with a height of 18.9 m. The temple also houses a Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) bell.