, also '''Donghwa Temple''', is a
Buddhist Temple of the
Jogye Order in northern
Daegu ,
South Korea . The temple is located on the slopes of
Palgongsan , within the boundaries of
Dohak-dong ,
Dong-gu , near Daegu's northern border. It is the seat of the 9th region of the Jogye Order. The name means "temple of
Paulownia blossoms."
The first temple on the site was built in
493 . The name Donghwasa was applied during the
Unified Silla period in 832. From this time to the present, it has remained one of the country's most powerful temples. During the
Goryeo Dynasty, it was one of only four temples which administered the
Civil Service Examinations for monks. Buddhists were out of power during the Joseon Dynasty, but the temple retained a great deal of influence, and continued building new structures.
Several
National Treasures Of South Korea are housed at Donghwasa.
