Beopheungsa Temple, Known for Its Playful Stone Child Statue

A temple with a modest history

Beopheungsa is a temple in Yeongam and a branch temple of Daeheungsa, part of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was established in 1953, shortly after the Korean War.

The temple stands on a slope below Nongamsan, northeast of Anno-ri Mojeong Village. It was once a subsidiary hermitage of the Ssanggyesa Temple site before becoming an independent temple around 1953.

A distinctive stone child

The grounds have few prominent halls or cultural heritage features. The buildings described at the temple are a newly built monks’ quarters and Gwaneumjeon Hall.

A small niche in the stone retaining wall in front of Daeungjeon Hall holds a stone child statue. According to the account, the figure was discovered in a rice paddy in 1985 during land consolidation in front of the village.

A charming expression

The stone child is depicted smiling with its head tilted slightly to one side. Its features are not precisely symmetrical, giving it a cute and humorous appearance.

The statue is thought to date from after the late Joseon period. Its modest setting and expressive face are the details that make Beopheungsa notable in the official description.

Visitor information

The temple is listed as open at all times and has no annual closing days. For further details, visitors are advised to inquire by phone; no phone number is provided here, so check the official notice before visiting. Parking is available.

Address: 전남광주통합특별시 영암군 금정면 연지길 121