Site of Hungwang Temple

Korea (North) / Hwanghaebukto / Kaesong /
 temple, ruins, buddhist temple
 Upload a photo
(흥왕사터/興旺寺址)
Hungwang Temple was one of the largest temples in Kaesong during the time of the Koryo dynasty. Construction on the temple began in the year 1056, the 10th year of Emperor Munjong's reign, and finished in 1067. It was a temple with royal patronage, and so was incredibly lavish and well-appointed. During the early Koryo dynasty, the temple kept the royal archives and printed a copy of the Buddhist Tripitaka. However, the temple was pillaged and burned in both the Mongol and Red Turban invasions, so by the mid 15th century, it was nothing but a ruin. Today, although not visible in the poor quality satellite image, it is still possible to see the foundations of the main temple buildings.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   37°53'55"N   126°36'5"E
This article was last modified 14 years ago