Yongmunsa

 buddhist temple  Add category

Yongmunsa is a Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism established in 913 by Monk Daegyeong.

Most of the buildings now at Yongmunsa Temple were reconstructed after 1909. However, its enormous gingko tree (the largest in Asia; Natural Monument #30), estimated to be 1,100 to 1,500 years old, testifies to the temple’s history. The gingko tree is 42 meters (138 feet) high and 14 meters (46 feet) in circumference at the base. It yields 100 straw bags of gingko nuts every year.

The temple’s Gilt-Bronze Seated Avalokitêśvara (Treasure #1790) features the characteristics of 14th century Buddha statues, and thus was likely produced when Monk Jeongji Guksa lived at Yongmunsa Temple in the transition period from Goryeo to Joseon.