Mugaksa Temple, originally located in Yeouisan mountain, was a place where soldiers from Sangmu Military School went for peace and harmony. When Sangmu Military School relocated and part of Yeouisan Mountain became a 5.18 Memorial Park, the temple's location became part of the Park. Mugaksa Temple's location within the downtown area of Sangmu new town, Gwangju's biggest financial and administration district, puts it at a similar level as Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul as an urban Buddhism Temple.
There are book café, lotus gallery, and traditional tea house "Sarangche" within the temple, breaking down the image of religion and adding more culture and arts to a place where citizens can go to meet and relax. "Treasure Island" Flee Market opens every Saturday, evolving it from European style to more Korean style market. The temple continues to receive interest as a tourist attraction and an educational place for students.