-
Jikjisa Temple – 직지사 (Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Temple History Jikjisa Temple, which means “Finger Pointing Temple,” in English, sits at the base of Mt. Hwangaksan (1111.3m) in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The temple is scenically located with quiet forests, towering mountain peaks, and rolling streams. According to temple legend, Jikjisa Temple was built in 418 A.D. by the monk Ado-hwasang. There are three theories as to how the temple got its name. The first states that after first seeing the location, Ado-hwasang pointed to a spot on the mountain and said that a large temple should be built at its base. The second story states that in 936 A.D., Master Neungyeo, while reconstructing the temple, instead of using a…
-
Buseoksa Temple – 부석사 (Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Temple History Buseoksa Temple, which means “Floating Rock Temple” in English, is located in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. It’s also one of Korea’s most famous temples. Buseoksa Temple is home to five National Treasures and five additional Korean Treasures. As for the temple itself, Buseoksa Temple was first established by the famed monk, Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.), under the royal decree of King Munmu of Silla (r. 661-681 A.D.), in 676 A.D. There were a few reasons for the Silla Kingdom’s royal support in establishing Buseoksa Temple. The first is that it would help promote the ideas behind Hwaeom (Huayan) Buddhism throughout the Korean peninsula, and Buseoksa Temple would also act as the…
-
Video: Yongwang: The Dragon King – 용왕
Hello Again Everyone!! Of the four major shaman deities that you can find at a Korean Buddhist temple, which includes Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), Chilseong (The Seven Stars), and Dokseong (The Lonely Saint), it’s probably Yongwang, the Dragon King, that’s least understood. Perhaps because he’s not as well represented as the other three, but Yongwang still has incredible significance both in Korean Buddhism and Korean shamanism. So enjoy the video and learn about the shaman deity that lives under the sea and provides security to the Korean peninsula. Enjoy!
-
Gatbawi Shrine – 갓바위 (Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Shrine History Gatbawi Shrine, which is officially known as the “Stone Seated Buddha at Gwanbong Peak in Palgongsan Mountain, Gyeongsan,” according to the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea, is located on the famed Mt. Palgongsan (1192.3m) in Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do. In Korean, it’s officially called “Gwanbong Yeorae-jwasang.” Gatbawi is simply a statue on top of Gwanbong Peak (852.9m). Surprisingly, Gatbawi isn’t a National Treasure; instead it’s Korean Treasure #431. Shrine Layout The name of the shrine, Gatbawi, is in reference to the name of the bamboo hat, a “Gat,” which is a traditionally worn by men. So Gatbawi is a compound word. It’s a combination of “Gat” with the Korean word…
-
Donghwasa Temple – 동화사 (Dong-gu, Daegu)
Temple History Donghwasa Temple is located on the southern slopes of Mt. Palgongsan (1193m) in Daegu. The name of the temple means “Paulownia Blossom Temple” in English. Originally, the temple was built in 493 A.D. by the monk Geukdal and was named Yugasa Temple. However, it was later rebuilt in 832 A.D. by the monk Simji in 832 A.D. The name of the temple refers to a legend around the time of this reconstruction. According to this legend, and during the dead of winter, wild paulownia trees were in bloom all around Donghwasa Temple during the temple’s reconstruction. This was thought of as an auspicious sign. According to the Samguk-yusa,…
-
Doseonsa Temple – 도선사 (Gangbuk-gu, Seoul)
Temple History Hi, Everyone! This is Giuseppe with my first contribution to the site. It’s a bit longer than I anticipated, but this temple is jam packed with sights, artifacts, and history. Even more than I was able to mention. I hope you enjoy! Last year, I asked a friend of mine to recommend a temple to visit in Mt. Bukhansan in Seoul. “Doseonsa is supposed to be nice,” he replied. Looking it up, it did indeed seem like a nice temple with a wealth of history and attractions. When I managed to finally visit it, “nice” turned out to be a massive understatement! It was first dedicated in 862…
-
Yongjusa Temple – 용주사 (Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do)
Temple History Yongjusa Temple, which means “Dragon Jewel Temple,” in English, is located in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do. The temple was first established in 854 A.D. by Yeomgeo Hwasang. Originally, the temple was called Galyangsa Temple. And during the reign of King Gwanjong of Goreyo (r. 949-975 A.D.) the National Preceptor, Hyegeo Guksa, resided at the temple and prayed for the welfare of the nation. And during the 10th century, the temple was further expanded. In 1636, the temple was completely destroyed during the Qing Invasion of Joseon (Dec. 1636 to Jan. 1637). But in 1790, under the orders of King Jeongjo of Joseon (r.1776-1800), the temple was rebuilt to honour King…
-
Silleuksa Temple – 신륵사 (Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do)
Temple History Silleuksa Temple, which means “Divine Bridle Temple,” in English, is located in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do. The origins of the temple are rather hazy. Lost in the fog of time. It’s believed by some that the temple was established during the reign of King Jinpyeong of Silla (r.579-632 A.D.). On the other hand, some believe that the temple was founded by the famed monk, Wonhyo-daesa (617-686 A.D.). As for the name of the temple itself, and according to temple legend, there was an uncontrollable horse that was reined in by the power of the Buddha. In 1469, Silleuksa Temple became the prayer sanctuary to the royal mausoleum to the great…
-
Waujeongsa Temple – 와우정사 (Yongin, Gyeonggi-do)
Temple History Waujeongsa Temple was first established in 1970 by the monk Kim Hae-geum. Kim was a displaced monk from the Korean War, so he built the temple to honour this displacement. The stated goal of Waujeongsa Temple is the reunification of the Korean peninsula. It’s also the birthplace and headquarters to the highly unique Korean Buddhist Nirvana Order. And Waujeongsa Temple is located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do. Temple Layout Waujeongsa Temple is located on the southern slopes of Mt. Eunesan (363.3m). You first approach the temple by passing through the gravel temple parking lot. The very first thing you’ll notice is the massive golden Buddha’s head, which is called a…
-
Jogyesa Temple – 조계사 (Jongno-gu, Seoul)
Temple History Jogyesa Temple is located in Jongno, Seoul. The name of Jogyesa Temple might sound familiar. It’s the headquarters to the largest Buddhist Order in Korea: the Jogye-jong Order. Jogyesa Temple has a bit of a unique history. The original building that took up residence at Jogyesa Temple was actually transferred from a temple called Gakhwangsa Temple in neighbouring Susong Park in 1938. Gakhwangsa Temple was first founded in 1395. This original structure no longer remains; but during Japanese Colonial Rule from 1910-1945, the temple would grow in importance in its resistance towards the Japanese efforts to suppress Korean Buddhism. It was in 1937 that the resistance movement was…