Iksan Sungnimsa Temple (숭림사(익산))

Sungnimsa Temple is one of the major temples in Iksan under Geumsansa Temple and was believed by some to have been built by monk Jinpyo Yulsa during the reign of King Gyeongdeok (742-764) during the Silla period. Others believe that the temple was established during the first year of King Chungmok of the Goryeo dynasty in 1345. Sungnimsa Temple was named in honor of great monk Bodhi-Dharma, who practiced seated Zen meditation for nine years at Sorimsa Temple located deep inside Sungsan Mountain in China. The temple was burnt down during the Imjin War (1592-1598), leaving only Bogwangjeon Hall. Bits and pieces of the temple were later restored in 1697, 1819, and 1892.