Yongcheonsa Temple – 용천사 (Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Temple History
Yongcheonsa Temple is located in northwestern Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do to the east of Mt. Biseulsan (1,083.4 m). The main historical sources for Yongcheonsa Temple comes from the Temple Chronicles (寺蹟記) carved on woodblocks in 1702 by Kim Jin-gyu (1658-1716), as well as the Yongcheonji (湧泉誌) compiled in 1703 by the monk Haenggyu. These two historical texts were later combined in 1927 as The History of Yongcheonsa Temple, Gakbuk-myeon, Cheongdo County (淸道郡 角北面 湧泉寺 事蹟).
According to the Temple Chronicles (寺蹟記), after the famed monk Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.) returned from his studies in Tang China (618-907 A.D.), he founded the Ten Hwaeom Temples (Hwaeom-sipchal) throughout the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.). One of these temples was Yongcheonsa Temple. Originally, the temple was called Okcheonsa Temple. Uisang-daesa would carve the Avataṃsaka Sūtra (Hwaeom-gyeong) onto eight ivory tablets. These are known as Sanggan in Korean. One of these tablets was later lost and replaced with a wooden block edition.
Originally, the temple was known as Okcheonsa Temple. In 1267, the monk Ilyeon (1206-1289), who authored the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), rebuilt the temple and renamed it Bulilsa Temple. Eventually, the name of the temple would change to its current name of Yongcheonsa Temple. During the Imjin War (1592-1598), the temple was destroyed. The monk Jo-yeong would carry out the temples reconstruction in 1631. And in 1805, a major renovation was performed on the temple.
As for the name of the temple, Yongcheonsa Temple, it means “Gushing Water Temple” in English. The name of the temple comes from the temple’s spring, where clear spring water always pours forth even during droughts. And during the winter, it doesn’t freeze over.
At its height, Yongcheonsa Temple was home to over a thousand monks and 47 neighbouring hermitages including Baengnyeonam Hermitage, Cheongnyeonam Hermitage, Ilyeonam Hermitage, Namam Hermitage, Seoram Hermitage, Naewonam Hermitage, and Budonam Hermitage. All of these hermitages were later either destroyed or abandoned. Currently, there are only two resident monks at Yongcheonsa Temple with about 500 lay followers.
Yongcheonsa Temple is home to one Gyeongsangbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage, which is the Daeung-jeon Hall. The temple is also home to one Gyeongsangbuk-do Cultural Heritage Materials, which are the “Stupas of Yongcheonsa Temple.” Lastly, Yongcheonsa Temple is home to one Korean Treasure, which is the “The Assembly on Vulture Peak (Yeongsan Hoesangdo) in Yoncheonsa Temple, Cheongdo.” Yongcheonsa Temple is one of the 982 traditional temples in Korea.
Temple Layout
From the temple parking lot, and up and uneven set of stairs, you’ll first be welcomed by the Beomjong-gak Pavilion that houses the four traditional Buddhist percussion instruments. Of the four, the Mokeo (Wooden Fish Drum) is perhaps the most interesting with a spotted lizard-like head. As for the bronze bell, it’s quite small. The Beomjong-gak Pavilion dates back to 1983.
To the immediate left of the Beomjong-gak Pavilion, you’ll find two buildings. These appear to be the temple kitchen and administrative office. Straight ahead of you, on the other hand, is the historic Daeung-jeon Hall. It’s believed that the main hall dates back to 1631. Its exterior walls are adorned with a few murals from the Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Mural) set, as well as intricate dancheong colours. Stepping inside, you’ll find a main altar triad centred by Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). And on either side are statues dedicated to Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) and Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisttva of Power). This main altar triad is backed by a replica of the “The Assembly on Vulture Peak (Yeongsan Hoesangdo) in Yoncheonsa Temple, Cheongdo.” To the right of the main altar, you’ll find a painting dedicated to Uisang-daesa. While to the left, you’ll find a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) and an older mural dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars).
Out in front of the Daeung-jeon Hall, there appear to be an assortment of older stone artifacts that include a three-story stone pagoda, a stone lantern without its light chamber, and a few other stone artifacts.
To the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall, and next to a large tree, is the temple’s Myeongbu-jeon Hall. The exterior walls are filled with horrifying paintings depicting the Buddhist Underworld. Stepping inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall, you’ll find a green haired statue of Jijang-bosal on the main altar. This main altar image is then joined on either side by large, wooden statues of the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld). This set that includes the wooden statue of Jijang-bosal and the Siwang were made in 1669, and they are a stunning collection.
To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find the Eungjin-jeon Hall. The exterior walls are adorned with murals of the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha). Stepping inside the Eungjin-jeon Hall, you’ll find a main altar occupied by a triad of statues. In the centre rests the image of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). This statue is flanked by images of Mireuk-bosal (The Future Buddha) and Yeondeung-bosal (The Past Buddha). The main altar triad is then joined by sixteen statues dedicated to the Nahan.
To the left rear of the Eungjin-jeon Hall, and up a small trail, you’ll find the Sanshin-gak Hall. The exterior walls are adorned in understated dancheong. Stepping inside the shaman shrine hall, you’ll find a sole painting dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). Rather interestingly, Sanshin is wearing a blue robe and he rides on the tiger’s back. Nearby is a dongja (attendant), who is holding a stick that carries a basket. Inside the basket, there appear to be a couple of peaches. This painting of Sanshin dates back to 1956.
Lastly, there is a budowon (stupa field) at the temple that houses six stupas of monks that once called Yongcheonsa Temple home. It’s believed that these stupas date back to the 17th-18th centuries. These stupas vary in size measuring anywhere from 194-245 cm in height and 208-320 cm in circumference. Each stupa stands on an unadorned stone platform. As for the body stone, it has a lotus-shaped pedestal with a bell-shaped body stone. The body stones feature lotus flower designs around the top and bottom of the body stone.
How To Get There
There’s just no easy way to get to Yongcheonsa Temple using public transportation. If you take a bus from Dong Daegu, it’ll result in a long bus ride followed by a one hour hike. So the easiest way to get to Yongcheonsa Temple is to take a taxi from the Cheongdo Bus Terminal. The taxi ride will take around 30 minutes, or 25 km, and it’ll cost around 30,000 won (one way).
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
It’s unfortunate that so much of the temple’s past has been wiped away by war and disaster. However, there are still remnants of Yongcheonsa Temple’s past available to be seen at the temple like the early 17th century Daeung-jeon Hall, the set of statues housed inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall from 1669, the stone fragments out in front of the Daeung-jeon Hall, the three to four hundred year old stone stupas, as well as the 1956 painting dedicated to the Mountain Spirit inside the Sanshin-gak Hall. There are glimpses here and there, which makes Yongcheonsa Temple worth a visit to northern Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
