Anguksa Temple – 안국사 (Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do)

Temple History
Anguksa Temple in Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do is one of several temples with this exact same name in Korea. As for this Anguksa Temple, it’s located on the western slopes of Mt. Geumdaesan (851.5m) near Geumdaeam Hermitage. Anguksa Temple was first founded in 1403 by the monk Haenghojo, who built the temple in hopes of stabilizing Joseon (1392-1910), which had just formed a few years prior. On August 29, 1598, and during the Imjin War (1592-98), about 500 Japanese soldiers entered the Mt. Jirisan region and burned the temple down along with Geumdaeam Hermitage. Although it was later rebuilt, the temple would eventually be destroyed by fire in 1947. It would be rebuilt, once more, this time in 1965. Now, the temple is quite small consisting of just a Geukrak-jeon Hall, a Sanshin-gak Hall, and Yosachae (monks’ dorms).
The temple is home to just one provincial treasure. It’s the “Stupa of Monk Eungwang in Anguksa Temple, Hamyang,” which is Tangible Cultural Heritage of Gyeongsangnam-do #337.

Temple Layout
You first make your way up a steep mountain road. The road will eventually fork to the left, where you’ll find an Iljumun Gate and a Budowon (a collection of stupas). In this collection of stupas, you’ll find the “Stupa of Monk Eungwang in Anguksa Temple, Hamyang.” Nothing is known about the monk Eungwang, whose name is inscribed on the stupa. However, based upon its design, the stupa (budo) is presumed to have been made either at the end of Unified Silla (668-935 A.D.) or at the beginning of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). The stupa itself consists of a square platform, a round pedestal, an octagonal body, and a roof stone. However, it’s missing its decorative finial that traditionally rests atop a stupa. The pedestal is carved with lotus designs on it. The body, on the other hand, has no reliefs adorning it. The roof stone is shaped like a roof from a wooden building with roof tiles and rafters underneath.
Continuing your way up the steep mountain road, you’ll eventually come to the temple parking lot. It’s from this parking lot that you’ll get amazing views of Mt. Jirisan off in the distance. Turning around, you’ll find the temple’s compact Geukrak-jeon Hall. The exterior walls are adorned with vibrant Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals), in which Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) is accented in gold paint. Also, the front latticework is golden, and it’s joined at the front of the main hall by mischievous Gwimyeon (Monster Mask) paintings.
Stepping inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall, you’ll find a main altar triad centred by Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) and flanked by statues of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and Daesaeji-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Power for Amita-bul). This triad rests underneath a golden canopy (datjib). Also taking up residence inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall is a modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). At the centre of this mural is an image of Dongjin-bosal (The Bodhisattva that Protects the Buddha’s Teachings), in which this Bodhisattva wears a helmet with broad, vibrant feathers.
To the immediate left of the Geukrak-jeon Hall, you’ll find a newly constructed Yosachae (monks’ dorms). And to the right rear, you’ll find another building that houses the temple’s kitchen. To the left rear of the Daeung-jeon Hall, and up a set of rocky stairs, you’ll find the Sanshin-gak Hall. The exterior walls to this shaman shrine hall are adorned in simple dancheong. Stepping inside, you’ll find a wonderful new mural dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). In this painting, Sanshin is joined by a serene-looking tiger and a dongja (attendant) that looks towards the Mountain Spirit.
How To Get There
Sometimes, there’s no real practical way to get to a temple or hermitage because of the city it’s situated in or its mountainous location. For Anguksa Temple, it’s for both these reasons that there’s no public transportation that goes directly to the temple. So instead, and unless you have your own mode of transportation, you’ll need to catch a taxi from the Hamyang Intercity Bus Terminal. The taxi ride will take 35 minutes, or 23 km, and it’ll cost you around 30,000 won (one way).
Overall Rating: 5/10
Like neighbouring Geumdaeam Hermitage, so much about Anguksa Temple is about the views you get to enjoy of Mt. Jirisan off in the distance. In addition to the views, you can also enjoy the artwork like the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals) that adorns the exterior of the Geukrak-jeon Hall, as well as the painting dedicated to the Mountain Spirit housed inside the Sanshin-gak Hall. One last thing you can enjoy at Anguksa Temple is the historic stupa of the monk Eungwang at the entry of the temple grounds. In combination with Geumdaeam Hermitage, a trip to Anguksa Temple is well-worth a visit to this lesser known temple, especially for temple enthusiasts.











