Tonghwa Temple

Tonghwa Temple

Tonghwa Temple is located at 35 Dogak-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea. It was originally built by Monk Geuda in the 15th year of King Jajang of Silla (493 AD), and later reconstructed by Master Simjeong during the reign of King Heungdeok (826–836 AD). The temple was initially named Yoga Temple, but was later renamed Tonghwa Temple because the phoenix trees within the temple grounds continued to bloom even in winter.

Upon visiting Tonghwa Temple, the first structure that catches visitors’ eyes is the Beopdang Hall. To the left front of Beopdang Hall is the Daeungjeon Hall, and to the right below is the Geumgang Stairway. Heading toward the Daeungjeon Hall, you’ll find the Bongchiru Pavilion, which is said to be the spot where the tail of a phoenix once landed. Past the Bongchiru Pavilion, there is a stairway—typical of the type found in front of a Daeungjeon Hall. On both sides are dragon-shaped railings, and in the center are round stone balls resembling Cintamani gems.

The Daeungjeon Hall of Tonghwa Temple measures three bays in width and three in depth, and enshrines statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and Medicine Buddha. Descending the stone steps on the side of the Bongchiru Pavilion and following the concrete path forward leads to a majestic stone statue of the Medicine Buddha. This large statue stands 17 meters tall, symbolizing prayers for unification. In addition, the temple’s stone pagodas, stone lanterns, lion statues, and lotus lanterns are also notably grand in scale and particularly eye-catching.

Donghwasa

Must-visit reason: One of Daegu’s most famous temples

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Korea[Korea]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Daegu Metropolitan City [Daegu Metropolitan City]

City where the attraction is located: Dong-gu [Dong-gu]