The temple was built in 607 and was rebuilt in 670 after it was burnt down.

It is one of the typical remains of the Asuka culture, much influenced by Koguryo Kingdom. Various structures, including pagoda and shrine, are still preserved in the temple.

In its gallery are a five-storied pagoda and two shrines on both sides. The form of their arrangement and the style of structures have something in common with those of Koguryo Kingdom.

The temple also has Paekje's character in its architecture as some of Paekje's architects took part in the building of it.

In the temple there are several Buddhist statues and murals. Mural paintings on four walls of its shrine were drawn by Tamjing, a famous fine artist of Koguryo Kingdom. Most of the Buddhist statues in the temple, including three Buddhist images of Sakyamuni Tathagata, were made by Tori, a sculptor from Koguryo.

An image of the merciful Goddess of Paekje, 209.4 centimeters in height, was made by sculptors of Paekje.

As one of the oldest wooden structures in the world, the temple showcases part of the efforts made by Koreans in the middle ages for development of the Japanese culture.