Kwangbop Temple

Kwangbop Temple

Kwangbop Temple is located at the northeastern foot of Mount Taesong in the northeastern suburbs of Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. It was originally built in 392 AD during the Goguryeo period as a Buddhist temple constructed from wood by King Gwanggaeto. The temple was destroyed by U.S. forces during the Korean War in 1953, but in the 1950s, it was rebuilt to resemble its original appearance using concrete made to look like wood, and it has since become an important tourist attraction in the Mount Taesong area.

The surroundings of Kwangbop Temple are richly planted with flowers and trees. The main entrance is the Heavenly King Gate, flanked by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. The main structure is the Daeungjeon Hall, which houses a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The surrounding area includes the Liberation Gate and a seven-story granite pagoda. In 2003, there were about six monks who wore their robes and posed for photos with tourists. In addition, nearby attractions include the Central Zoo of North Korea, the Central Botanical Garden, the Mount Taesong Fortress, the ruins of Anhak Palace, and the Mount Taesong Amusement Park. It is also adjacent to the famous shopping destination, Ryugyong Department Store, allowing visitors to explore these sites conveniently.

Kwangbop Temple

Why Go: One of the most famous temples in North Korea

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: North Korea

Province/State: Pyongyang Directly Governed City