King Seong and Neungsa Temple

[Narration]
We have arrived at Neungsa Temple, which was built to honor the spirit of King Seong. Only the site of the former temple now remains at Neungsan-ri. This is a replica of the original Neungsa Temple, which was built according to evidence provided by relics excavated from the site.

There is a very sad story about the foundation of Neungsa Temple. It tells of the tragic demise of King Seong. We will hear about it from King Wideok, who was the son of King Seong and the founder of the temple.

[King Wideok]
I am entirely to blame for my father’s death. If I hadn’t insisted that he attack Silla, he wouldn’t have died such a humiliating death.

[Narration]
How did your father die and why do you feel so guilty about it?

[King Wideok]
Our troops advanced on Gwanseo Castle to attack Silla but, unfortunately, our repeated assaults were unsuccessful. To make matters worse, I was surrounded by the enemy and separated from our troops. My father tried to come to my rescue, but he was ambushed by Silla soldiers on the way and killed. Every time I think of that day, my heart breaks.

[Narration]
So you feel guilty about your father’s death because you believe it is your fault.

[King Wideok]
I do. I hoped that I would be able to expiate the guilt I felt by retiring to live out the rest of my days in a temple. But I could not abandon the people of Baekje - it was my duty to serve them on behalf of my deceased father. So I determined to revive Baekje in honor of my father and his kingdom, and built Neungsa Temple to pray for the repose of my father’s soul.

[Narration]
As we have learnt from this story, Neungsa Temple was built out of the respect King Wideok had for his father, King Seong, and his ardent wish to revive the Kingdom of Baekje using the power of Buddhist faith.