According to the Samguk yusa, Vinaya Master Jinpyo gave some bones with sutras engraved on them to Ven.

The bones blew away in the wind and landed in a small well north of what is now Donghwasa's Chamdang Hall.

In 1036, by royal decree of Goryeo's King Jeongjong, the temple was chosen for testing monks on sutras and Vinaya, along with Yeongtongsa and Sungbeopsa in Gaegyeong and Buinsa in Daegu.

The temple was also reconstructed several times during the Joseon era; in 1606 Great Master Samyeong repaired the damage inflicted during the Japanese invasion, and again in 1677 and 1732 by monks like Sangsung, Gwanheo and Nakbin.

During the Japanese invasion (1592–1597), Great Master Samyeong resided at the temple and commanded a monk militia.

The temple recently revived this tradition, and every October holds a "Seungsi Festival" which lasts one week.