Sejinam Hermitage – 셰진암 (Geoje,Gyeongsangnam-do)
Hermitage History
Sejinam Hermitage is located in western Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do in the southern foothills of Mt. Dongsan (141.7 m), which is where Oksangeum-seong Fortress is located. It’s also situated right next to the Bangokseowon Confucian Academy.
It’s believed that Sejinam Hermitage was reconstructed in 1902. In addition, Japanese records indicate that “during the Daehan Empire [1897–1910], there was an ancient temple in Geoje-myeon.” It’s believed that this is a reference to Sejinam Hermitage. The hermitage was designated as one of the 982 traditional temples on June 10, 1988. As such, it was designated as Traditional Temple #14, which was the first traditional temple in Geoje.
Throughout the years, the hermitage has faced the repeated difficulty of erosion in the area caused by heavy rains. As a result, the city of Geoje made repeated requests for funding from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, which oversees Korean traditional temples. However, these requests were denied.
Finally, in June 2021, the city of Geoje succeeded in securing the funds to fully restore Sejinam Hermitage. In total, the hermitage was granted 270 million KRW, or around 185,000 USD. Starting in March 2022, the restoration and renovation of Sejinam Hermitage started. And the hermitage we see today was created by the funding of the Korean federal government.
Sejinam Hermitage is home to one provincial treasure, the “Wooden Seated Buddha Triad of Sejinam Hermitage, Geoje.” The triad is Gyeongsangnam-do Cultural Heritage Material #325. The triad was first created in 1703.
Hermitage Layout
You first approach Sejinam Hermitage up a dead-end road. The hermitage parking lot is quite small and is situated out in front of the two-in-one entry gate. The first story of this structure is home to the hermitage’s Cheonwangmun Gate. The front exterior walls are adorned with a pair of guardian murals, while the exterior is adorned with murals dedicated to Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power) and Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom). Stepping inside the first story of the structure, you’ll find statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. The four statues are modern and slender in appearance.
As for the second story of the entry structure, you’ll find the Beomjong-gak Pavilion. Housed inside it is a solitary bronze bell. Additionally, all surfaces inside the Beomjong-gak Pavilion are beautifully adorned with dancheong, as well as images of white cranes and Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities).
Having passed through the Cheonwangmun Gate, and up a set of stone stairs, you’ll enter the main hermitage courtyard at Sejinam Hermitage. To the left, you’ll find the administrative office. While straight ahead, you’ll find the Daeung-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to the Daeung-jeon Hall are adorned in simple Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals).
Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, and resting on the main altar inside a glass enclosure, you’ll find the “Wooden Seated Buddha Triad of Sejinam Hermitage, Geoje.” The central image is that of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise), who is joined on either side by Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and Daesaeji-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Power for Amita-bul). The statues were put together using different carved pieces, including the head, body, arms, and legs. And they are made from Chinese juniper. Inside the central image of Amita-bul, objects were discovered, including a dedication inscription that reads: “On a day in May of the 42nd year of Kangxi (1703), Hua Gong enshrined it at Simjeokam, Mt. Waryongsan.” Originally, the triad was located at Simjeokam Hermitage on Mt. Waryongsan in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do. How it eventually got to Sejinam Hermitage is unknown. Because the Bodhisattvas were once stolen in 2009, they are now housed inside a glass enclosure.
On the far left wall, you’ll find a small ceremonial bronze bell with a dragon sculpture that supports the weight of the bronze bell. Above this, you’ll find a Banya Yongseon-do (Dragon Ship of Wisdom). Between this and the main altar, you’ll find a modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). And to the right of the main altar, you’ll find another modern mural; this time, it’s dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). And on the far right wall, you’ll find a beautiful red and pink peonies painting.
The only other shrine hall that visitors can explore at Sejinam Hermitage is to the right rear of the Daeung-jeon Hall. At the end of a longer pathway, you’ll come to the Samseong-gak Hall. Housed inside this shaman shrine hall are three paintings. The central image, which is modern in composition, is dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars). To the left, you’ll find a mural dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). In this painting, you’ll find two tigers. One is roaring, while the other looks on placidly. And on the far right wall, you’ll find a mural dedicated to Yongwang (The Dragon King). Yongwang sits upon his throne wearing a red robe. Scaling the pillars to the canopy that’s situated over the Dragon King’s head are a pair of dragons: one yellow and one blue.
How To Get There
From the Gohyeon Bus Terminal in Geoje, you can take Bus #53. You’ll need to take this bus for 16 stops, or 33 minutes. You’ll need to get off at the “Geoje Yeosangap – 거졔여상앞하차” bus stop. From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to head east down the “Dongsang-myeongjin-gil – 동상명진길” road. You’ll need to head down this road for about 100 metres, until you come to the “Dongsang 3-gil – 동상 3길” road to the north. Eventually, this road will end at Sejinam Hermitage. The walk should take about 10 minutes, or 575 metres.
And if you’d rather take a taxi, you can take one from the Gohyeon Bus Terminal. The taxi ride should take about 15 minutes, or 12 km, and it’ll cost you around 13,000 won (one way).
Overall Rating: 5.5/10
The main highlight to Sejinam Hermitage is the “Wooden Seated Buddha Triad of Sejinam Hermitage, Geoje” inside the Daeung-jeon Hall. Looming behind the main hall, and off in the distance, is a gate to the Oksangeum-seong Fortress. Additionally, the paintings dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) and Yongwang (The Dragon King) inside the Samseong-gak Hall are distinct, as well.
