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Baekjangam Hermitage – 백장암 (Namwon, Jeollabuk-do)
Hermitage History Baekjangam Hermitage is located in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do to the west of Mt. Seoryongsan (1,073 m). Baekjangam Hermitage is a hermitage that belongs to the neighbouring Silsangsa Temple. The name of the hermitage is derived from Baekjang, who was a disciple of Master Majodoil (709-788 A.D.). While we know when Silsangsa Temple was built, which was in 828 A.D. by the monk Hongcheok (?-?), it’s unknown when Baekjangam Hermitage was first established. After Silsangsa Temple was destroyed by fire in 1468, Baekjangam Hermitage became a temple until 1679, when a fire also destroyed Baekjangam Hermitage. The hermitage was later rebuilt in the early 1800’s. Once again, a fire destroyed…
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Silsangsa Temple – 실상사 (Namwon, Jeollabuk-do)
Temple History Silsangsa Temple, which means “True Nature Temple,” in English, is surprisingly located near farmer’s fields alongside the meandering Mansucheon River in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do. Silsangsa Temple is situated in the centre of a cauldron of mountains that make up the northern part of the famed Mt. Jirisan (1915.4 m). Silsangsa Temple was established by the monk Hongcheok (also known as Jeunggak) in 828 A.D. Hongcheok traveled to Tang Dynasty China with the monk Doui-guksa in the early 800’s. Both Hongcheok and Doui-guksa returned to the Korean peninsula after being certified as enlightened in Seon lineage Buddhism. After his return, Hongcheok was named “Guksa,” or “National Preceptor,” in English, by…