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Bomunsa Temple – 보문사 (Seogwipo, Jeju-do)
Temple Layout On the south-west side of Jeju-do Island, and in the shadows of Mt. Sanbangsan and Sanbanggulsa Temple, is Bomunsa Temple. In fact, in order to get to Sanbanggulsa Temple, you’ll first need to pass through the Bomunsa Temple grounds. Bomunsa Temple has a commanding view of the South Sea and the southwestern coastline of Jeju-do Island. You first approach Bomunsa Temple past a crowded parking lot and up a set of wide stone stairs. Bomunsa Temple, much like the famed mountain that it rests upon, is frequented by busloads of visitors. The first thing to greet you inside the temple courtyard is the stone statue dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal…
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Sanbanggulsa Temple – 산방굴사 (Seogwipo, Jeju-do)
Temple History Sanbanggulsa Temple, which is located on Mt. Sanbangsan (395.2 m) on Jeju-do Island, means “Sanbang Cave Temple,” in English. And Sanbang, in English, means “Mountain Room,” which is a reference to the cave on the southern side of Mt. Sanbangsan. The mountain cave is five metres in height and acts as the grotto for which Sanbanggulsa Temple is located. Mt. Sanbangsan was formed as a result of violent volcanic activity between 700,000 to 800,000 years ago. Mt. Sanbangsan is a large lava dome that cooled over time. And the cliffs on the southern side of the mountain are marked with unique formations like weathered pitting. Mt. Sanbangsan in…
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Gwaneumsa Temple – 관음사 (Jeju City, Jeju-do)
Temple History Gwaneumsa Temple, which is located in Jeju City, Jeju-do Island, is named after the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Gwanseeum-bosal. A somewhat common name for a temple in Korea, Gwaneumsa Temple is located on the northeast side of Mt. Hallasan (1947.06 m). And the area around Mt. Hallasan is a National Park. In fact, alongside Mt. Jirisan (1915 m) and Mt. Seoraksan (1708 m), Mt. Hallasan is considered one of the three major mountains in South Korea. It’s believed that Gwaneumsa Temple dates back to sometime during the Tamna State – 탐라국 (耽羅國) (?-1404) rule over Jeju-do Island, during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). More specifically, and according to locals, Gwaneumsa…