Daeyulsa Temple – 대율사 (Gunwi, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Temple History
Daeyulsa Temple is a modern temple that’s located near farmer’s fields in southern Gunwi, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Daeyulsa Temple is located to the north of Mt. Palgongsan (1,192.3 m). During Daeyulsa Temple’s initial construction in 1972, the “Stone Standing Buddha in Daeyul-ri, Gunwi” was discovered.
The only Korean Treasure located at the compact temple grounds at Daeyulsa Temple is the “Stone Standing Buddha in Daeyul-ri, Gunwi,” which is Korean Treasure #988. This standing image of the Buddha dates back to Unified Silla (668-935 A.D.). It’s believed that there used to a large Buddhist temple in Daeyul-ri Village in Gunwi that housed the “Stone Standing Buddha in Daeyul-ri, Gunwi.”
Temple Layout
Daeyulsa Temple is a little known temple in the backstreets of a village near farmer’s fields. The first time I visited the temple, I passed right by it. Finally noticing the small silver gate with a large metal manja symbol across the gate, I entered the small entranceway to the left that allows access to the temple grounds at Daeyulsa Temple.
The first thing to greet you are a row of monks’ dorms to your left. And to the right is a house. A little further along, and you’ll notice the main attraction, by far, at Daeyulsa Temple. Standing out in front of the main hall, and standing inside the Yonghwa-jeon Hall, is the Unified Silla era “Stone Standing Buddha in Daeyul-ri, Gunwi.” By standing inside a Yonghwa-jeon Hall, this indicates that the statue is believed to be that of Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha). This statue stands 2.65 metres in height, and it’s believed to date back to the 9th century. The statue has a large protruding part on top of its head. This is meant to symbolize the Buddha’s wisdom. It also has long ears that touch its shoulders. The statue also has three pronounced creases on its neck. This is meant to symbolize the “three destinies” of affliction, action, and suffering. The robe of the statue covers both of its shoulders. The right arm is placed along the side of its body with the palm facing outwards, while the left arm is bent with the left palm resting on its chest.
To the left of the Yonghwa-jeon Hall and the “Stone Standing Buddha in Daeyul-ri, Gunwi,” you’ll find the temple’s Sanshin-gak Hall. This shaman shrine hall just barely fits within the stone fence confines of the temple grounds. Inside the Sanshin-gak Hall, you’ll find a painting dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) with a cartoonish image of a tiger by his side and a dongja (attendant) offering him peaches (a symbol of immortality).
Just behind these two shrine halls is the Daeung-jeon Hall. The concrete walls to this compact main hall are adorned with fading Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals). As for its interior, and resting on the main altar, you’ll find a triad of statues centred by Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). This central image is joined on either side by Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power) and Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom). Hanging on the far left wall is a mural dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars), while to the right hangs a painting dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). And in front of this painting is a slim-looking statue of a green haired image of Jijang-bosal.
How To Get There
There are two buses that go out to Daeyulsa Temple from the Gunwi Intercity Bus Terminal. The first is the Gunwi to Dundeok Bus, while the other is the Gunwi to 2nd Seokguram Bus. In either case, you’ll need to take the bus for 16 stops and get off at the Daeyul 2-ri stop. From this stop, you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes west to get to Daeyulsa Temple.
Overall Rating: 4/10
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the main highlight, and perhaps the only reason you’ve decided to visit Daeyulsa Temple, is the “Stone Standing Buddha in Daeyul-ri, Gunwi.” The accidentally discovered Unified Silla era statue is simply stunning. Additionally, there are a couple of other features like the nice Sanshin (Mountain Spirit) painting and the Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) statue inside the Daeung-jeon Hall. But again, you’ve probably come for the historic statue.
