Temple History Bulgapsa Temple is located in southern Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do in the northwestern foothills of Mt. Bulgapsan (516 m). The exact date of the temple’s founding is unknown; however there is one legend that suggests that Bulgapsa Temple was first founded in 384 A.D. by the monk Haengsa-jonja, who was also known as Marananta (fl. late 4th century). Also according to this legend, Marananta established three temples: Bulgapsa Temple, Dogapsa Temple, and Bonggapsa Temple. Rather interestingly, Marananta is credited with introducing Buddhism to Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C. – 660 A.D.) in 384 A.D. Reportedly, Marananta arrived on the Korean Peninsula at Beopseong-po Port, which means “Sacred Law Port” in English.…