Prior to its destruction in the Korean War, it was the largest and most important center of Buddhist worship in Pyongyang.

Under the Japanese occupation of Korea, the temple became a major tourist site in Pyongyang and was renowned for its beautiful riverside location and many cherry trees.

The only building of the temple now standing is Pubyŏk Pavilion, a scenic lookout which was reconstructed after the war and was known for its beautiful views of the Taedong River; its stone pagoda and octagonal shrine also survived the bombings, and all three are registered as National Treasures of North Korea.

In 2012 the Korean Central News Agency reported the "reconfirmation" of Lair of King Tongmyong's Unicorn,[3][4] 200 metres (660 ft) from Yongmyongsa.

[4][5] The discovery is credited to the History Institute of the DPRK,[3] and the report states that "Unicorn Lair" is carved on a rock at the site.