Sinheungsa

Sinheungsa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is located on the slopes of Seoraksan in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, South Korea. Sinheungsa is placed in Seoraksan National Park, and lots of tourists hiking Seoraksan as much as Ulsanbawi pass by means of the temple at the way. Other temples with the call Sinheungsa are located in Seoul, Samcheok and Icheon.

Historical accounts vary as to whether this ancient Zen temple become first built through Jajang in 653, first known as Hyangseongsa or in 637 following his return from Tang China. It burned to the ground in 699, was rebuilt in 710, burned once more in 1645 and changed into rebuilt in 1648 at its present area by using Uisang. This temple is believed to be the oldest Zen temple in the international. The Great Unification Buddha, a 14.6-meter, 108 ton gilt-bronze Buddha statue, known as Tongil Daebul, sits atop a 4.3meter excessive pedestal, of the equal fabric, making the total height 18.9 meter aside from the lightning rod and nimbus.