Temple Mihwang is an old temple supporting the theory of the introduction of Buddhism into Korea by sea. It was once a grand temple which consisted of as many as twenty small and great buildings. Its Tae-ung-jon (main sanctuary) is National Treasure No. 947, and is a very excellent building in its scale and elaborateness.
The temple was founded by Ui-jo-hwa-sang in the Shilla dynasty. There is a mysterious legend about its foundation that has been handed down in the 'Record on the Historic Relics of Mihwangsa.' This record was written by Am Min, the Minister of Defense in 1692 (the 18th year of King Sukjong in the Choson dynasty.
At that time, about one hundred and fifty years ago, when Onho who was from the village of Chiso was its resident head priest, it was wealthy enough to have more than forty monks in residence.
Then temple monks organized the Kun-go-pae (a kind of traditional Korean troupe of performers), and toured the coastal districts to collect offerings. While on their way to Wando Changsando for a performance, they were shipwrecked due to a storm. The monks who had remained in the temple were greatly disappointed.
The monks who had remained in the temple were greatly disappointed. People of Chongsando say that when the wind blows and the rain falls, the sound of drums is still heard in the area where the monks of Mihwangsa Temple were drowned.
