Bodeoksa Temple (in Yeongwol)

Bodeoksa Temple was founded in the 8th year of King Munmu of Silla (668) by the monk Uisang under the name 'Jideoksa'. In 1161 (15th year of King Uijong), Unheo rebuilt it, and afterward State Preceptor Wongyeong reconstructed Geungnakbojeon, Yeombuldang, Gobupdang, and Chimunru. In 1457 (3rd year of King Sejo), when King Danjong was demoted to Prince Nosan and exiled, the temple's name was changed to 'Norŭngsa (魯陵寺)'. In 1705 (31st year of King Sukjong), Hanui and Cheonmil built Daegumdang. Afterward, as it was designated as the memorial temple of Jangneung (Historic Site), the tomb of King Danjong, its name was changed to Bodeoksa in the 2nd year of King Yeongjo (1726).

The existing buildings include Geungnakbojeon Hall, as well as the dilapidated Daehyeonjeon Hall, Mokusil, Sansingak, Simgeomdang, Chilseonggak, Saseonggak, and guest quarters. Among these, Geungnakbojeon is designated as a cultural heritage of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. The current Geungnakbojeon is a structure with the style of the late Joseon period. Enshrined inside this Geungnakbojeon is the Wooden Seated Amitabha Triad of Bodeoksa Temple in Yeongwol, designated as a tangible cultural heritage of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. The main Amitabha Buddha is flanked by statues of Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas, forming a triad, and the original consecration text found inside the statues reveals that they were made in the 26th year of Kangxi, the 13th year of King Sukjong of Joseon (1687), with the monk Takmil as the chief sculptor.

The haeuso (toilet) of Bodeoksa Temple is different from ordinary restrooms. Haeuso is the term used in temples for a toilet, meaning 'a place to resolve worries.' The haeuso of Bodeoksa Temple, with its traditional form, is arranged in two rows front and back with six toilet stalls each, separating use for men and women while accommodating 12 people at once—a building that reveals wisdom. This haeuso, which can be identified through its sangnyangmun as a building erected in the 19th year of King Gojong of Joseon (1882), has retained its original form well despite its age. In September 2026, it was designated a National Folk Cultural Heritage in recognition of its historical value.

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