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Templestay – Hwaeomsa Temple (Gurye, Jeollanam-do)
Introduction to Temple Hwaeomsa Temple is located in Gurye, Jeollanam-do on the very south-western edge of Jirisan National Park. Hwaeomsa Temple means “Flower Garland Temple” in English, which is in reference to the Flower Garland Sutra. The temple was first established in 544 A.D. by the monk Yeongi-josa, who might have been from India. The temple was later expanded by Jajang-yulsa (590-648 A.D.) in 643 A.D. And it was further expanded by the monk Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.), during the reign of King Munmu of Silla (r. 661-681 A.D.). Later, and in 875 A.D., Doseon-guksa (827-898 A.D.) expanded the temple, once more. Throughout the years, Hwaeomsa Temple has undergone numerous rebuilds…
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Templestay – Seonunsa Temple (Gochang, Jeollabuk-do)
Introduction to Temple Seonunsa Temple, which is located in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do, means “Seon [Zen] Cloud Temple” in English. The name of the temple implies how profound wisdom is found by staying in the clouds in the boundlessness of Seon meditation. Seonunsa Temple was first built in 577 A.D. by the monk Geumdan-seonsa of the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C. to 660 A.D.). Seonunsa Temple would eventually fall into disrepair until it was restored by the monk Hyojeong-seonsa in 1354. Seonunsa Temple would be rebuilt again in 1474 by the monk Haengjo-seonsa. The temple would continue to expand until the Imjin War (1592-1598). Seonunsa Temple was completely destroyed by fire during the second invasion of the…
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Templestay – Naesosa Temple (Buan, Jeollabuk-do)
Introduction to Temple Naesosa Temple, which means “Come Revive Temple” in English, is located in Buan, Jeollabuk-do. Naesosa Temple is located just south of Gwaneum-bong (Gwanseeum-bosal Peak) in the southern part of Byeonsan Bando National Park. Naesosa Temple was first established in 633 A.D. At that time, two temples were built. They were Daesoraesa Temple and Sosoraesa Temple. Daesoraesa Temple was later destroyed by fire, and all that remained of the two was Sosoraesa Temple. Sosoraesa Temple was later rebuilt in 1633 by Master Cheongmin after all the temple buildings were destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598). It was also around this time that the temple was renamed Naesosa Temple. The name of…
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Templestay – Geumsansa Temple (Gimje, Jeollabuk-do)
Introduction to Temple Geumsansa Temple is located in Gimje, Jeollabuk-do, and it was first built in either 599 A.D. or 600 A.D. When it was first built, it was rather unassuming; however, in 762 A.D., and under the guidance of the monk Jinpyo (8th century), Geumsansa Temple was rebuilt and expanded over a six year period. Geumsansa Temple underwent numerous changes during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Then during the Joseon Dynasty and the Imjin War (1592-1598), Geumsansa Temple was destroyed by the invading Japanese after the temple was used as a training ground for the Righteous Army. The restoration of Geumsansa Temple began in 1601, and it was completed over…
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Templestay – Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center (Incheon)
Introduction to Temple The Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center, much like Jeondeungsa Temple, is located on Ganghwa-do in Incheon. It’s located near the foothills of a low lying mountain and near rice fields. The center was first founded in 1997 by the monk Wonmyeong (1950-2003). Wonmyeong was a monk that spent many years abroad teaching Buddhism. So it was from this that Wonmyeong first founded the Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center. The Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center Templestay program is entitled A Lotus Flower-Lantern in your Heart!, and it focuses on meditation and chanting services. Directions From the Gimpo Goldline, which includes the Gimpo International Airport station (G109), you’ll need…
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Templestay – Jeondeungsa Temple (Incheon)
Introduction to Temple Jeondeungsa Temple is situated on Ganghwa-do Island. Jeondeungsa Temple was first established in the 4th century by the monk Ado, and it was formally called Jinjongsa Temple. It received its current name in 1282. It’s believed by some that Jeondeungsa Temple is the oldest temple on the Korean peninsula. The temple helped defend against the invading Mongols during the 13th century. In fact, the Goryeo royal family temporarily took up residence at the temple after the capital of Gaeseong had been overrun. From 1719 until 1910, Jeondeungsa Temple was in charge of protecting the ancestral records of the Joseon Dynasty royal family. As a result, senior monks…
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Templestay – Jingwangsa Temple (Seoul)
Introduction to Temple Jingwangsa Temple is beautifully located in northern Seoul on Mt. Samgaksan. The temple grounds are large and they have beautiful temple shrine halls like the Daeung-jeon Hall that’s framed nicely by the backing mountain peaks. Also, you can enjoy the stream that flows next to the temple. Jingwangsa Temple is a harmonious blend of both nature and Buddhism found in the capital of Korea. Jingwangsa Temple offers just one Templestay program. This program focuses on a temple tour, relaxation, and a tea ceremony. It’s a perfect program for those wanting to have a little time to themselves. Directions On the Seoul subway system, you’ll need to take…
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Templestay – International Seon Center (Seoul)
Introduction to Temple The International Seon Center first opened its doors on November 15th, 2010. The center was opened so that both Koreans and ex-pats could enjoy and experience Korean Buddhism. In total, the center consists of nine floors. The first two underground floors are reserved for parking, while the final underground floor is reserved for the Education and Culture Hall. The first floor of the building houses the center’s office and restaurant. The third and fourth floor, respectively, house the Event Hall and the Dining Room. The fifth floor, and the floor you’re probably most interested in, is reserved for the Templestay program; while the sixth and seventh floor…
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Templestay – Myogaksa Temple (Seoul)
Introduction to Temple Myogaksa Temple is located in downtown Seoul in Jongno-gu. And it’s situated at the base of Mt. Naksan, so you get a great view of the entire city of Seoul. Myogaksa Temple is a relatively newer temple. Myogaksa Temple was first established in 1930 by Taeheo. The reason that he built the temple where he did, and according to geomancy, was to put the city of Seoul at ease. The temple grounds themselves are rather small; however, the temple buildings are beautifully arranged both among themselves and with nature. The true highlight to this temple is the beautifully carved image of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion). Myogaksa…
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Templestay – Geumseonsa Temple (Seoul)
Introduction to Temple Geumseonsa Temple, which is also spelled Geumsunsa Temple, is over 600 years old, and it’s beautifully situated in Mt. Bukhansan National Park in Seoul. Historically, Geumseonsa Temple was the place where King Jeungjo of Joseon (r. 1776-1800) prayed for the birth of a male heir. As for the temple itself, it specializes in Seon meditation. There are a couple highlights to this temple like the beautiful stream that passes under the Hongyae-gyo Bridge (Nirvana Bridge) inside the temple grounds, as well as the natural beauty that surrounds the temple. As for the Templestay programs, the Relaxational Templestay program focuses on meditation, touring the temple, and on Buddhist…