Hwagyesa Temple was built by Monk Sinwol in the 17th year of King Jungjong’s reign (1522). Originally, during the reign of King Gwangjong (reign: 949–975) of Goryeo, Monk Beopin built Bodeokam in Buheo-dong, Samgaksan Mountain, and it was handed down. However, Sinwol moved it to its current location, built it on a larger scale, and named it Hwagyesa Temple. After the building deteriorated due to a great fire in the 10th year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign (1618) and many years of wear and tear, it was rebuilt in the 3rd year of King Gojong’s reign (1866) with a donation from Heungseon Daewongun. It was also where nine Korean literature scholars, including Lee Hui-seung and Choi Hyeon-bae, lived and wrote for the unified Korean spelling system sponsored by the Korean Language Society in 1933.
The Daeungjeon Hall of Hwagyesa Temple, which enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha in the center and the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva on either side, was newly built in the 7th year of King Gojong’s reign (1870). It is a hip roof house with three rooms on the front and three rooms on the side, and the sides of the roof are in the shape of the number eight (八). It is a multi-bracket style building with brackets that support the eaves of the roof and serve as decorations, and are also placed on top of and between the pillars. The Daeungjeon of Hwagyesa Temple is a wooden building that shows the style of the late Joseon Dynasty, with decorations on the ceiling and other architectural parts.

* Source : Korea Heritage Service