Located inside Bukhansan-seong, 370, Bukhan-dong, Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Sangwun-sa is a temple directly managed by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

With the name meaning ‘a temple within auspicious clouds,’ Sangwun-sa is one of the most well-known temples in Bukhan-san and surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks such as Wonhyo-bong, Yeongchi-bong, Baekun-dae, Mangyeong-dae, and Nojeok-bong. Legend has it that Sangwunsa was built by Monk Wonhyo during the Silla Period when he was returning after giving up on studying in Tang Dynasty and temporarily training in  Bukhan-san. However, there is no record left to support this and, therefore, this story is considered only a legend at the moment.  

The actual foundation of Sangwun-sa dates back to 1722 (Year 2 of King Gyeongjong) by Master Monk Hoesu. According to Bukhan-ji, geographical records compiled by Monk Seongneung in 1745, there were 13 temples in Bukhansan-seong – Jungheung-sa, Taego-sa, Yongam-sa, Boguk-sa, Bogwang-sa, Buwang-sa, Wongak-sa, Guknyeong-sa, Sangun-sa, Seoam-sa, Jinguk-sa, Bongseong-am, and Wonhyo-am – and, with the exception of Jungheung-sa and Taego-sa, all the other temples were allegedly built for defense and management of the fortress.

After the foundation, Sangwun-sa continued its existence as a base of the Buddhist army. Despite its current modest size, the temple used to include over 130 rooms, which were mostly destroyed along with many other temples during the Japanese colonial era and Korean War. However, having survived the history and keeping its place to date, Sangwun-sa is also famous for an ancient Chinese juniper there that allegedly helps people who have fertility issues, and also for the auspicious herbalist Buddha. The beautiful landscape surrounding it makes the temple popular not only among Buddhists but many hikers as well.