Mitasa Temple (Seongbuk)미타사(성북)

About

Separated from Bomunsa Temple by a single wall, Mitasa Temple (Seongbuk), well known as Tapgol Seungbang, is a residence for Buddhist nuns. According to tradition, the temple was founded by National Preceptor Hyegeo, who gave it the name Mitasa. In 1047, a stone pagoda was built here, and the temple came to be called Tapgol Seungbang. The pagoda stands on a hill to the left of Danhagak Hall, behind the main hall, Daeungjeon. The temple was rebuilt in 1314 by National Preceptor Hyegam, and during the Joseon Dynasty it was restored by Queen Jeongsun of the Song clan, the queen consort of King Danjong. The temple also has an old six-story stone pagoda whose upper three stories and lower three stories date from different periods; the lower three are believed to have been built during the Goryeo Dynasty.