It is a branch temple of Woljeongsa Temple as the head temple in the Korean Buddhism Jogye Order’s 4th district and it is next to Woljeongsa Temple.
It is located on the southeast shore of the Birobong Peak deeper into the mountain from Woljeongsa Temple and is the sacred place for Manjusri in Korea that enshrines the statue of Manjusri. It has a well-known tale that Sejo, the 7th King of the Joseon Dynasty, met Manjusri while praying there and he was recovered from his incurable disease.
The most representative artifact of Sangwonsa Temple is the oldest existing relic, “Bronze Bell (National Treasure 36).” With the height of 1.67 m and the diameter of 91 cm at the mouth, it is developed 45 years earlier than the Divine Bell of Great King Seongdeok. It has the outstanding arabesque pattern and the excellent carved image of a flying fairy with clear notes. For protection, the bell is prohibited from being hit. So it is difficult to hear the bell sound on the spot.
Odaesan National Park, Woljeongsa Temple, Seongbo Museum, Seonjae-gil Trail, etc.