Magoksa was named because a believer said it looked like hemp stack on a hemp field when the monk Bocheol of Silla preached. According to the story from the temple, the monk Jajangyulsa built it in the 12th year(642) of Queen Seondeok’s reign and the monk Bojoguksa of Goryeo reconstructed it. However, its origin is not confirmed and its history is not clear. Meanwhile, the 12th year of Queen Seondeok’s reign is the 2nd year of King Uija of Baekje.    

If it is true that it was built in 642, it had to be the second year of King Uija’s reign. Nevertheless, its year of establishment is inficated in the period of Silla that was the hostile country. Several manuscripts of the Buddhist scriptures using gold or silver liquid are remained up to now, which are representative relics of Buddhist culture in the latter period of Goryeo. One interesting thing related to this temple was widely known as the special area where people could escape from risks during the war, that is, Sipseungjiji(ten safest regions) at the early Joseon period. [Taekriji] of Yi Jung-Hwan told that Magoksa was not damaged during Japanese invasion in 1592 and Korean War.

Moreover, five story stone pagoda(Treasure No. 799), Yeongsanjeon(Treasure No. 800), Daeungbojeon(Treasure No. 801), Daegwangbojeon(Treasure 802), Dongje Eunipsahyangro, Dongjong, Pojeoyuseo, Songgokmunjip Pangak, Haetalmun, Cheongwangmun, Myeongbujeon, Eungjinjeon, Singeomdang, Guksadang, Maehwadang, Hongseongru, Suseongsa, Daehyanggak, Yeonggak,Gobang, Gaebultaeng of Buddha designated as Treasure No. 1260 that Buddha was drawn with colors on the hemp cloth in the 13th year(1687) of King Sukjong and its woodblock printed book remain until now because Magoksa was safe from serious wars.