Shinhung-sa is the main temple of the area known as Outer Sorak-san Mountain. The temple is remarkable for its constant changing over the centuries. For not only did it change position and name, but also the school of Buddhism to which it adhered.

Actually Shinhung-sa stood where the New Sorak Hotel stands today. It was founded by Master Chajang in 652 and named Hyangsong-sa. The temple was burned down in 699 and Master Uisang rebuilt the temple three years later on its present site. Once more destroyed in 1645 at the time of the Japanese invasions, all the monks left the temple and only three monks remained. One night the three monks had a dream in which they met a god who told them what to do. He said that if they built the temple behind the original site, then the temple would never be touched by three main disasters: fire, water and wind. The monks built the temple there and called it Shinhung-sa, "Divinely Inspired Temple."

There is a one kilometer path leading up to the One-pillar Gate. The path passes relic containers and memorial tablets of great monks who have lived and died at the temple.

Next comes the main compound. Behind the Gate of the Four Guardians there is a two-storey study hall. On the stone stairway and retaining wall near the Main Hall there are several unu