Video: Sinheungsa Temple – 신흥사 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)

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Sinheungsa Temple in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do has one of the more mysterious origins. Purportedly, the temple was built in 301 A.D. and later destroyed. However, according to Korean tradition, Buddhism didn’t enter the Korean peninsula until 372 A.D. in the northern kingdom of Goguryeo. The only possible answer is that Queen Heo of the Gaya Kingdom, who was Indian in origin and married King Suro, brought Buddhism with her to the peninsula and helped influence its spread earlier on than once thought. This is one potential answer.

In addition to the temple’s mysterious history, the temple is filled with beautiful Buddhist artwork, especially in the main hall. Most of the murals inside this hall date back to the mid 17th century. There are some amazing murals throughout the other temple halls like the Myeongbu-jeon Hall and the Gwaneum-jeon Hall, as well.