Gamcheonsa Temple – 감천사 (Yeonje-gu, Busan)
Temple History
Gamcheonsa Temple is located in Yeonje-gu, Busan to the northwest of Mt. Baesan (256.3 m). Additionally, Gamcheonsa Temple is only a few metres away from neighbouring Hyewonjeongsa Temple. It’s unclear when Gamcheonsa Temple was first built, but it’s said that it’s the third oldest temple in Busan behind Beomeosa Temple and Mahasa Temple. Before the temple was known as Gamcheonsa Temple, it was known as Beommu-gol Temple.
Originally, there once was a small main hall and dorms on the current site of Gamcheonsa Temple. Around 1931, the temple was founded as a small hermitage. And because there was a spring on the grounds that tasted sweet, and it never ran dry even during droughts, it was named Gamcheonsa Temple, which means “Sweet Spring Temple” in English. The name of the temple is a reference to “Gamno,” which means “Sweet Dew” in English. It’s meant to symbolize the power of the Dharma to save sentient beings.
In 1975, the monk Myeojeong took over the temple’s administration. After, Gamcheonsa Temple was registered as a Cheontae-jong Order temple. In 1998, the monk Hyeonil rebuilt the current Daeung-jeon Hall. And it was at this time that Gamcheonsa Temple came to be officially affiliated with the Jogye-jong Order of Korean Buddhism. Gamcheonsa Temple was designated as one of the 982 traditional temples in Korea on November 30, 1988. And currently, the temple is run by nuns.
Temple Layout
You first approach Gamcheonsa Temple after passing by Hyewonjeongsa Temple down a side street. As you near, you’ll find a metal gate with brick posts. On the left post, you’ll notice the name of the temple written in Korean. To the left of these stairs is the temple’s first story parking lot.
Up the stairs that are situated past the metal entry gate, you’ll find the only shrine hall, the Daeung-jeon Hall, at Gamcheonsa Temple to your left. To the right, you’ll find the nuns’ dorms. The Daeung-jeon Hall is slightly at an angle. The exterior walls are adorned in two sets of murals. The upper murals are dedicated to the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals), while the lower murals are a collection of Buddhist-related murals. The front floral latticework is stunning, while the two dragon-heads on either side of the shrine hall’s signboard are intimidating.
Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a triad of statues on the main altar. The central image is that of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha), who is joined on either side by statues of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) and Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion). To the left of the main altar, you’ll find a beautiful black-accented mural dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars). In this mural, you’ll find the central image of Jeseok-bul (Indra) being joined on either side by Ilgwang-bosal (The Sunlight Bodhisattva) and Wolgwang-bosal (The Moonlight Bodhisattva). They both hold large orbs in their hands: one white and one red. And to the left of this is a highly original mural dedicated to Jijang-bosal. Again, this mural is black-accented. In the upper portion of the painting, you’ll find Jijang-bosal being joined by the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld). To the right of the main altar, on the other hand, you’ll find one of the larger murals dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) that I’ve seen. In the painting there is an adult tiger accompanied by two baby cubs. There are three dongja (attendants) in the painting with one having a coy expression on their face. Backing all this is a wonderfully large red pine tree and cascading water. And if you look up towards the ceiling, you’ll find two twisting blue dragons guarding over the entire interior of the Daeung-jeon Hall. And next to this is a large, modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
How To Get There
From the Yeonsan subway station on the Busan subway line, which is stop #305 on Line 3 or stop #123 on Line 1. From this subway station, you’ll need to go out exit #10. From exit #10, you’ll need to walk east down “Gobun-ro – 구분로” street for about 350 metres. When you finally get to “Ssangmicheon-ro – 쌍미천로” street, you’ll need to walk down it for 350 metres. You’ll eventually need to cross the road and go down “Myobongsan-ro – 묘봉산로” street for the final 400 metres. At the end of this street, and on your right, you’ll find Gamcheonsa Temple. In total, the walk is 1.1 km, or 17 minutes.
And if you’d rather take a taxi from the Yeonsan subway station, it’ll take 5 minutes, or 1.2 km, and it’ll cost you around 4,800 won (one way).
Overall Rating: 5/10
Obviously the main highlight to Gamcheonsa Temple is the Daeung-jeon Hall, well, because that’s all there is at this compact temple. Both the interior and exterior are stunning. The floral latticework adorning the front of the main hall is beautiful. And stepping inside, the four black-accented murals are beautiful, as well, from the mural dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) to that of the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). All are stunning including the murals dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars) and Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). While Gamcheonsa Temple doesn’t have a lot of shrine halls; in fact, there’s only one. However, what it does have is quite charming and original.
