It was built by Wonhyo Daesa (great master) in 654 during King Muyeor, the first year ruling of Silla and entitled it as Juklim-sa (Temple). While a buddhist priest from India, Hwangmyeon Seonsa was searching for a country carrying Sakyamuni Jinsin Sarira (the remains of Buddha when the body is cremated) at a later period in 829, 4th year of King Hungdok's reign, Hwangmyeon Seonsa constructed a three-stories stone pagoda upon finding Osaek Seoun (Five-colored clouds) of the Jaeyaksan, put the seal on Sakyamuni Jinsin Sarira (the remains of Buddha when the body is cremated) in the mountain.
The third royal prince of King Hungdok was suffering of nervous diseases then, and the prince was staying at Juklimsa in searching for Yongsan mineral water. The prince's diseases were cured by drinking the mineral water offered by the sacred power of Hwangmyeon Seonsa, where King Hungdok was greatly impressed by the treatment, expanded the temple and entitled the temple as to Yongjung-sa (Temple).
It is also reported that Ilyeon Seonsa (Buddhist priest) used to stay here for a while during the Goryo dynasty and complete the famous Samguk yusa (Memorabilia of the three Kingdoms) in this temple. King Chungryol visited here then and admired the location referring it as the best mountain in the whole world and as the best zen temple among eastern countries. Through Silla and Goryo dynasty, the great monks such as Bou Guksa (National teacher), Ilyeon Seonsa and Chonhee Guksa used to stay here as well.
In 1592(25th year of King Seonjo's reign) when Imjin Waeran (The Japanese invasion of 1592) outbrake, the old temple of one thousand years turn into ash over a night, thus many monks left the temple and the head priest Ssangwoon who used to reside in this temple moved to the mountain Taebaek, hand down the book Yongjungsa Sajeok (The evidence of Yongjungsa) which is a good fortune and thanks to him, the generation today was able to study foundation and history of Pyochungsa (Then, Yongjungsa).
Especially, the Pyochungsa is a historic site for Samyung Daesa (Great monk), who took the head in sacrificing to save the country then like a lamplight in the wind during the Imjin Waeran (The Japanese invasion of 1592).
At the end of Joseon dynasty, the tree great Buddhist priests portraits like Seosan, Samyung and Gihuh of Imjin Waeran period was enshirned in Pyochung private academy, within the temple, changed the name of temple as Pyochungsa.
Transportation
Gyungju and Ulsan direction
- If you are traveling using your own car
Eonyang IC → Seoknam Tunnel (The national road No. 24) → Sannae-myeon Office → Geumgok Three-way Junction(The local road No. 1077) → Samgau → Pyochungsa - If using an intercity bus
Kyungju Intercity Bus Terminal → Kyongsan → Chongdo → Miryang Intercity Bus Terminal → Use the bus that goes to the Pyochungsa direction Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal → Use the bus that goes to the Seoknamsa direction → Miryang Intercity Bus Terminal → Use the bus that goes to the Pyochungsa direction
To Daegue direction
- If you are traveling using your own car
Miryang IC (Ulsan and Eonyang direction) → Geumgok Three-way Junction (Make right turn) → Samgau → Pyochungsa - If using an intercity bus
Nambu Intercity Bus Terminal → Miryang Intercity Bus Terminal → Use the bus that goes to the Pyochungsa direction
Changwon and Masan direction
- If traveling using your own car
East Changwon IC → Jinyong (The national road No. 25) → Miryang Police Station → Miryang-si Hall → Ginneup Crossroads (The junction of the national road No. 24 and 25) → Geumgok Three-way Junction(Right turn) → Samgau → Pyochungsa - If using an intercity bus
Masan Intercity Bus Terminal → Jinyong → Hanam → Miryang Intercity Bus Terminal → Use the bus that goes to the Pyochungsa direction
To Changryong
- If traveling using your own car
Yongsan IC → Changryong Bugok Hot Spring → Ingyo Three-way Junction (The local road No.1080) → Muan-myeon → Yongnam Agriculture Product Testing Location → Gyo-dong Sinchon Five-way Crossing → Miryang-si Hall → Ginneup Crossroads (The junction of the national road No. 24 and 25) → Geumgok Three-way Junction(Right turn) → Samgau → Pyochungsa - If using an intercity bus
Changryong Intercity Bus Terminal → Muan → Miryang Intercity Bus Terminal → Use the bus that goes to the Pyochungsa - If using a train
Miryang Station → Intercity Bus Terminal → Use the bus that goes to the Pyochungsa direction
