Wibongsa Temple

Situated in the foothills of Juchulsan Mountain, Wibongsanseong Fortress was constructed over a period of 7 years starting in 1675. The fortress was built as a safe place to keep the portrait of King Taejo, which had been kept at Gyeonggijeon in Jeonju until the Donghak Peasant Revolution broke out and put the portrait in jeopardy. Originally, the Wibongsanseong Fortress measured 16 kilometers long, 4 to 5 meters high, and 3 meters wide with three gates and eight emergency gates. Today, only a section of the fortress wall and the west gate remain.

Wibongsa Temple is located past Mujigaemun Gate (Rainbow Gate) and Wibong Village and is a major temple in the Honam region that once oversaw 52 branch temples. Said to be built by Monk Seoam in 604 (the 5th year of King Mu of Baekje), the surviving buildings date back to the Joseon Era. Today, only Bogwangmyeongjeon Hall (Treasure No. 608), Yosa (Provincial Cultural Asset No. 698), and Samseonggak remain. The Baeguigwaneumbosal wall painting in particular is the pride of the temple.