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Seokguram Hermitage – 석굴암 (Gyeongju)
Hermitage History Seokguram Hermitage on Mt. Tohamsan in Gyeongju houses the most famous statue in all of Korea. In English, Seokguram Hermitage means “Stone Cave Hermitage.” Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 1995 alongside Bulguksa Temple, it’s also National Treasure #24. The artificial cave at Seokguram Hermitage was first constructed by Kim Daeseong in 751 A.D. However, it wasn’t completed until after his death in 774 A.D. It’s believed, at least according to the Samguk Yusa (“Legends of the Three Kingdoms,” in English), that Bulguksa Temple at the base of Mt. Tohamsan was built for his parents in his current life and that Seokguram Hermitage…
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Video: Sinheungsa Temple – 신흥사 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Hello Again Everyone!! Sinheungsa Temple in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do has one of the more mysterious origins. Purportedly, the temple was built in 301 A.D. and later destroyed. However, according to Korean tradition, Buddhism didn’t enter the Korean peninsula until 372 A.D. in the northern kingdom of Goguryeo. The only possible answer is that Queen Heo of the Gaya Kingdom, who was Indian in origin and married King Suro, brought Buddhism with her to the peninsula and helped influence its spread earlier on than once thought. This is one potential answer. In addition to the temple’s mysterious history, the temple is filled with beautiful Buddhist artwork, especially in the main hall. Most…
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Samgwangsa Temple – 삼광사 (Busanjin-gu, Busan)
Temple History Samgwangsa Temple is situated on Mt. Baekyangsan (641.3m) in Busanjin-gu, Busan. Unlike the majority of temples in Korea like neighbouring Beomeosa Temple and Tongdosa Temple, Samgwangsa Temple doesn’t belong to the Jogye-jong Buddhist Order. Instead, it belongs to the third largest Buddhist Order in Korea: Cheontae-jong Order. The temple is a rather recent creation with it being built in 1983. Throughout the years, it has continued to grow with recent additions like the Myeongbu-jeon Hall and the Geukrak-jeon Hall on the upper hillside. Specifically, Samgwangsa Temple is dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Gwanseeum-bosal. And Samgwangsa Temple is best known for its lantern festival that it hosts each…
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Ssanggyesa Temple – 쌍계사 (Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Temple History Located in Jirisan National Park, and north of Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do, Ssanggyesa Temple is situated in one of the prettiest locations in all of Korea. The temple was originally built in 722 A.D. and called Okcheonsa Temple. The temple was built after the monks Daebi and Sambeop were instructed by the Jirisan Sanshin (Mountain Spirit) in the form of a tiger to find a valley where arrowroot blossomed throughout the year even during wintertime. Both monks were the disciples of the famed temple building monk, Uisang-daesa (625-702). Finding such a location, they built Okcheonsa Temple. And after returning from China, they buried the skull of the Sixth Seon Patriarch,…
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Video: Bicheon: Flying Heavenly Deities – 비천
Hello Again Everyone!! Typically, you’ll find these angelic paintings up near the roofs and rafters of a Korean Buddhist shrine hall. They can be playing a musical instrument, dancing, or even sprinkling water. Beautiful and elegant in appearance, you’ll find them in and around Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. These flying heavenly deities have their origins in Hindu myth. So find out what the do and why they’re at Buddhist temples throughout Korea in this next temple artwork video. Enjoy!
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Video: Gwimyeon: The Monster Mask – 귀면
Hello Everyone!! You might have spotted this somewhat terrifying and sometimes playful figure around a Korean Buddhist temple. They can be located on wall, halls, beams, and panels. These colourful images, usually painted, but can also be a relief or a statue, is called a Gwimyeon. In English, they’re called a Monster Mask. They also go by the name Nathwi. So what exactly are these creatures? What do they do? How did they end up appearing in Korean Buddhist temples and hermitages? Well, watch this video and learn more about these wonderful and colour creatures!
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Video: Poroe: The Bell Dragon – 포뢰
Hello Again Everyone!! Continuing with our all-new temple artwork videos, today, we’ll be talking bout The Bell Dragon: Poroe. If you look at the crown of a temple bell, or a Brahma Bell, that takes up residence inside a temple’s bell pavilion, you’ll find a metallic image of a dragon. This dragon has a unique phobia, Cetaphobia, which helps make the bell sound louder. So watch this video and find out what exactly this fearsome dragon is afraid of. Enjoy!
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Video: The Dragon Ship of Wisdom – 반야용선도
Hello Again Everyone!! In this all-new type of videos, we’ll be exploring the temple artwork that adorns Korean Buddhist temples. Specifically, we’ll be looking at masonry, paintings, architecture, bells, drums, and so much more! And the topic of this video, which can be seen from time to time around a temple or hermitage is called “The Dragon Ship of Wisdom,” in English, or the “반야용선도,” in Korean. This painting is highly symbolic in the Buddhist understanding of the after life. So sit back and enjoy the video, as I explain The Dragon Ship of Wisdom!
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Video: Samgwangsa Temple – 삼광사 (Busanjin-gu, Busan)
Hello Again Everyone!! Without a doubt, Samgwangsa Temple in Busan is the most colourful temple to visit in all of Korea during Buddha’s birthday. There are literally thousands of colourful paper lanterns and floats that take up residence in this centrally located temple in Busan. Belonging to the Cheontae-jong Order, Samgwangsa Temple was built in 1983. And it seems like every time I visit Samgwangsa Temple there’s a new building that’s popped up on the temple grounds. Things to look for at Samgwangsa Temple when you visit is the amazing main hall, the temple bell pavilion, and the thirty-three metre tall, nine story, stone pagoda with an outdoor stone shrine…
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Video: Seounam Hermitage – 서운암 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Hello Again Everyone!! Alongside Samyeongam Hermitage, Jajangam Hermitage, and Geukrakam Hermitage, Seounam Hermitage is another one of the beautiful hermitages that takes up residence on the Tongdosa Temple grounds. But unlike the three other hermitages, Seounam Hermitage has extensive grounds that a visitor can explore. During these explorations, you can come around a Koi pond, large clay soy pots, and even a fenced off enclosure for a collection of peacocks. The hermitage was first built in 1346. And inside the Janggyeong-gak, in the upper courtyard, you can find a collection of the Tripitaka Koreana that you can find at Haeinsa Temple. So follow me as we walk our way through…