Taejongsa Temple – 태종사 (Yeongdo-gu, Busan)
Temple History
Taejongsa Temple is located within Taejongdae Park in Yeongdo-gu, Busan. Taejongsa Temple was first established in 1976 as part of the Jogye-jong Buddhist Order. In September 1983, the Sri Lankan government donated a sari (crystalized remain) of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul, as well as two Bodhi trees to the temple.
Within the temple grounds, there are about 3,000 hydrangeas. Of these 3,000 flowers, there are ten different varieties, which bloom from June to September. These flowers have been collected over a 40 year period by the temple’s abbot, Doseong. Additionally, these hydrangeas have been collected from both domestic and foreign locations and mountain temples.
As for Taejongdae Park, it’s named after King Taejong Muyeol of Silla who reigned from 654-661 A.D. King Taejong Muyeol was known to enjoy archery and hiking in this part of Busan. And it’s from him that both the park and the temple get their names.
Temple Layout
You first approach Taejongsa Temple from Taejongdae Park. I highly recommend that you do the two together. The park is absolutely beautiful with its scenic views. On clear days, you can even see Tsushima Island in Japan off in the distance. You can also enjoy the beautiful rocky beaches, an observatory, the Yeong-do Lighthouse, and the Sinseon Rock. Taejongdae Park is Scenic Site #17. It’s mostly for the scenic views that people come to Taejongdae Park; and subsequently, you can also enjoy Taejongsa Temple along the way.
Depending on how you arrive at Taejongsa Temple, you may approach from the rear. If you do approach from the rear, you’ll first be greeted by the Daeung-jeon Hall. Unfortunately, the brown Daeung-jeon Hall is made of concrete. It has beautiful latticework on the front of the structure. Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, and resting all alone on the main altar, is a large, golden statue dedicated to Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). To the right of the main altar, you’ll find two murals. The mural to the immediate right of the main altar appears to be a mural dedicated to Seokgamoni-bul. The painting almost appears as though it’s from the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals). In particular, it looks like the seventh painting in the set entitled “Enlightenment.” Seokgamoni-bul is surrounded by his disciples while Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities) float overtop of the gathering. And hanging on the far right wall is a modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). To the left of the main altar, on the other hand, you’ll find an elaborate mural dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife).
To the left rear of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find the Sanshin-gak Hall. Again, and unfortunately, this shrine hall is also made of concrete. This house-like structure is adorned in simple dancheong colours around its exterior. Stepping inside, you’ll find a white statue of Sanshin-dosa (The Mountain Pass Spirit). And to the side is a seated image of Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) being accompanied by his loyal tiger. These two statues are then backed by a mural of the Mountain Spirit.
Just down the mountain, and to the left, you’ll find the Bogung shrine hall. Housed inside this shrine hall are the purported sari (crystalized remains) of the Buddha that were donated by the Sri Lankan government. As you enter the shrine hall, you’ll notice a stone statue of a Reclining Buddha. Straight ahead is a large, golden stupa with an open chamber, where the partial remains of Seokgamoni-bul reside. Above is a window that lets in natural sunlight. Behind the golden stupa, you’ll find Sri Lankan statues of the Buddha. And the wall inside this shrine hall are lined with miniature statues of Seokgamoni-bul. Above the Bogung shrine hall, and rather oddly placed, you’ll find the Jong-ru Pavilion that houses a solitary bronze bell.
Finally, and just out in front of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a non-traditional three-story stone pagoda. Just beyond this pagoda is a field of stupas and monks’ dorms. Lastly, as you make your way back to the main road that encircles Taejongdae Park, you’ll find a statue of a contemplative Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha).
How To Get There
To get to Taejongdae Park, and then Taejongsa Temple, you’ll first need to get to Busan Station. From Busan Station, you can catch either Bus #88 or #101. When you arrive, and from the entry of Taejongdae Park, you should hang a left and head up the road for about a kilometer. The temple will eventually be on your left.
Overall Rating: 5/10
On its own, Taejongsa Temple might be just a two or three out of ten. However, Taejongdae Park on its own is probably a ten out of ten. So between the two, Taejangsa Temple and Taejongdae Park, you’ll probably get a five out of ten; however, that could probably be debated. As for Taejongsa Temple alone, its main highlights are the Bogung shrine hall and the sari (crystalized remains) that it houses, as well as the interior of the Sanshin-gak Hall and the uniquely designed pagoda in the main temple courtyard.
