Temple History Jirimsa Temple is located to the east of Mt. Hogolsan (283.4 m) in northern Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Historic records indicate that there was once a great temple called “Hanjeol” in Bukji-ri, Bonghwa during the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.). Purportedly, the main temple was surrounded by 27 smaller temples, where about 500 monks lived. There’s also a temple legend surrounding the founding of neighbouring Chukseosa Temple and Jirimsa Temple. According to this legend, the head monk at Jirimsa Temple saw an auspicious light emanating from the side of the mountain. The head monk then told Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.) who was visiting Jirimsa Temple at the time. When…