Borimsa Temple – 보림사 (Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Temple History
Borimsa Temple is located in central Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do. Borimsa Temple was first founded in 1912 by the monk Kim Dong-un, who was the abbot of Byeoksongsa Temple. This was following the wishes of the monk Yongseong-seonsa (1864-1940). The temple was first founded in a private house as a missionary centre. The original name of the temple is unknown.
In 1929, six local temples that included Borimsa Temple, Yeongwonsa Temple, Beophwasa Temple, Silsangsa Temple, Yongchusa Temple and Byeoksongsa Temple banded together to found and operate a kindergarten as part of their missionary efforts. In 1970, the monk Jo Yeongsan took charge and renamed the temple Borimsa Temple. In 1971, the temple underwent reconstruction. And in 1972, the Daeung-jeon Hall was built.
Borimsa Temple is home to the “Hamyang Yongsansa Temple Site Stone Buddha,” which is Gyeongsangnam-do Cultural Heritage #138. Additionally, Borimsa Temple is one of the 982 traditional temples in Korea.
Temple Layout
You first approach Borimsa Temple from a side street in central Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do. As you pass through the entryway, you’ll find the monks’ dorms and administrative office to your left. To the right, on the other hand, is a Beomjong-gak Pavilion, which houses a small bronze bell.
As you continue inward, you’ll find the Daeung-jeon Hall straight in front of you. The exterior walls are filled with a masterful collection of Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals). Stepping inside the main hall, you’ll find a collection of statues on the main altar underneath a large, golden datjib (canopy). The central image is a larger statue dedicated to Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). On either side of this central image are two smaller statues. They are dedicated to Seokgamoni-bul (once more) and Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion). And book-ending this set of five is a larger statue dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal, once more, as well as a green-haired statue dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife).
To the right of the main altar, you’ll find a modern multi-armed and headed statue dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal. And on the far right wall, and probably by the same artist, you’ll find a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). To the left of the main altar, on the other hand, you’ll find a stunning mural dedicated to Jijang-bosal, who is joined in the upper portion of the painting by the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld). And beneath them are the Underworld’s court officials and those being judged. Also, and on the far left wall, you’ll find a Banya Yongseon-do (A Dragon Ship of Wisdom Mural). Finally, if you look around the Daeung-jeon Hall, on all of the interior surfaces, you’ll find an amazing collection of murals dedicated to Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom), Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power), and Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities). And if you look up at the ceiling of the structure, you’ll find a painting of the pantheon of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in Korean Buddhism.
To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a shrine hall that houses the “Hamyang Yongsansa Temple Site Stone Buddha.” The exterior walls to this shrine hall includes murals of the Bodhidharma, Wonhyo-daesa and Uisang-daesa, as well as a ferocious tiger trying to be tamed. Stepping inside, you’ll find the large stone statue from the Yongsansa Temple Site. This stone statue was originally discovered near the site of the Yongsansa-ji Temple Site. It was kept inside a private home before being moved to Borimsa Temple in 1992.
The statue has a full, rounded face with three distinct neck folds, which are known as “samdo” in Korean. The robe is draped over both its shoulders. Also, the robe has thick folds extending downward. The mudra, or ritualized hand gesture, is the “Earth Touching Gesture.” This is meant to symbolize the subjugation of evil forces. And while the statue is generally well-proportioned, it’s relatively short with narrow shoulders and strangely rendered feet. It’s believed that the stone statue dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392).
Also taking up residence inside this shrine hall is an older collection of murals. To the right of the main altar statue and backing mural, you’ll find a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). If you look closely at this mural, you’ll find beautiful, long feathers adorning the helmet of Dongjin-bosal (The Bodhisattva that Protects the Buddha’s Teachings) and the angry white beard and eyebrows of Yongwang (The Dragon King). To the left of the main altar statue, you’ll find an equally older painting dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). If you look at the feet of Jijang-bosal, you’ll find two dongja (attendants). Rather interestingly, they are wearing hats. One is a leaf hat, while the other appears to be a white flower hat. And on the far left wall, you’ll find a modern painting of white lotus flowers.
How To Get There
There’s one of two ways to get to Borimsa Temple from the Hamyang Intercity Bus Terminal. You can walk or you can take a taxi. If you take a taxi, it should take about 5 minutes, or 1.4 km, and it’ll cost you around 5,600 won (one way).
If you’d rather walk, you’ll need to head north, until you come to “Goun-ro – 고운로” street. Head down this road for about 800 metres. Just beyond the rotary, head north up “Unrim 1-gil – 운림 1길” road. Head up this road for about 150 metres, until you come to “Sangrim 3-gil – 상림 3-길” road. Head north from here until you come to Borimsa Temple on your left.
Overall Rating: 5.5/10
The main highlight to Borimsa Temple in Hamyang is the “Hamyang Yongsansa Temple Site Stone Buddha,” which is situated inside a shrine hall filled with hundred year old murals. In addition to the beautiful interior of this shrine hall, you can also enjoy the masterful Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals) that adorn the exterior of the Daeung-jeon Hall, as well as the main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall underneath a golden canopy.
