Bogwangsa, a Historic Temple Where Royal Joseon Stories Meet Nature in Paju

Located in Paju City, Gyeonggi Province, Bogwangsa Temple was founded in 894 with the approval of the royal court, giving it more than 1,100...

Located in Paju City, Gyeonggi Province, Bogwangsa Temple was founded in 894 with the approval of the royal court, giving it more than 1,100 years of history. 

Although the temple was burned down during the Imjin War, it was rebuilt in 1622, shaping much of what we see today.

Bogwangsa is also home to many fascinating stories passed down through generations.

In the 1630s, a fundraising campaign was held to cast a temple bell, and several monks continued the effort to create a large bronze bell weighing 300 geun (about 180 kg).

The temple has deep ties to King Yeongjo, the 21st monarch of the Joseon Dynasty.

In 1740, it was designated as a temple honoring his mother, Lady Sookbin Choi, after which the Daeungbojeon Hall and Gwaneumjeon Hall were reconstructed. 

Within the temple grounds stands a shrine that houses Lady Sookbin Choi’s memorial tablet, and in front of it grows a 300-year-old juniper tree said to have been planted by King Yeongjo himself.

Bogwangsa is also highly valued as a cultural heritage site, as its Daeungjeon Hall enshrines a Buddha statue created in 1215.

The natural scenery around the temple is just as beautiful.

With forests, valleys, and a lake nearby, it’s a peaceful place to relax. Close attractions include Majanghosu Suspension Bridge (마장호수 출렁다리) and Jangheung Arboretum (장흥자생수목원), both great spots to visit together.

Bogwangsa also gained popularity as a filming location for the Netflix drama The Glory.

The scenes showing Moon Dong-eun (played by Song Hye-kyo) staying at a temple were filmed here, making it a favorite new travel spot among fans.

If you want to experience Korea’s old history, culture, and nature all in one place, be sure to visit Bogwangsa Temple in Paju City, Gyeonggi Province.

Bogwangsa Temple (파주 보광사) 

📌 87, Bogwang-ro 474beon-gil, Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

🔸 Hours: Open year-round

🔸 Admission: Free 

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