[1] It was founded in 794 during the reign of King Wonseong by State Preceptor Yeonhoe (연회; 緣會), then the highest ranking monk of Silla.

In 1922 and 1929, Head Monk Cheongho saved over 700 people from drowning in the Han River, an act that inspired a monument of recognition.

After colonial rule, Bongeunsa became subordinate to the Jogye Order, the largest Buddhist sect in Korea.

Fortunately, Panjeon (판전; 板殿), one of the very few halls which escaped destruction during the Korean War, continues to hold the woodblock carvings of the Flower Garland Sutra created in 1855 by Monk Yeonggi.

[4] The area on the main street from the temple to Park Hyatt Hotel has a large concentration of vegetarian and other upscale restaurants that serve Korean cuisine with a modern twist.