Once one of Korea's largest Buddhist temples, the complex was mostly destroyed by US bombing in 1951, and today it lies in ruins; however, it is slated to be reconstructed in coming years.

It is listed as National Treasure #94 Founded at the end of the Koryo dynasty in 1386, work continued on the temple into the Choson era.

During the Japanese occupation, the temple, known under its Japanized name as Shakuō-ji, became a popular tourist destination on the Seoul-Wonsan railway.

In the courtyard between Jogye Gate and the ruins of the east court stands Sŏlsŏngdong Pavilion (雪城東樓), a two-storied construct first built in 1730.

Originally located overlooking the stream, the pavilion was rebuilt after the Korean war only to be knocked over during a particularly heavy flood.

It also housed many of the temple's greatest treasures a collection of icons and nine statues of various Buddhist guardians, saints (arhats), and deities.

To its east and west stood Inji and Ryongbi Pavilions, which were reconstructed after the war but destroyed during the 1986 floods.