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Seokbulsa Temple – 석불사 (Buk-gu, Busan)
Temple History Seokbulsa Temple in Buk-gu, Busan means “Stone Buddha Temple” in English. First constructed around 1930 (or 1927 depending on the source) by the monk Jo Ilhyeon, the temple was originally called Byeongpungam Hermitage, which means “Folding Screen Hermitage” in English. The original name of the temple comes from its location. Situated between Mt. Geumjeongsan and Mt. Baekyangsan, the folds of the rocks that make up the grounds of the temple look like a tall Korean folding screen. However, with the creation of the twenty rock carvings that make the temple so beautiful and famous, the name of the temple changed to Seokbulsa Temple. These rock reliefs are believed…
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Haedong Yonggungsa Temple – 해동 용궁사 (Gijang-gun, Busan)
Temple History Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which means “Korean Dragon Palace Temple” in English is a reference to Yongwang (The Dragon King) and the Yonggung (Dragon Palace) that he lives in under the sea. Located in coastal Gijang, Busan, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple has perhaps the most beautiful location for any temple in all of Korea. The temple was first constructed in 1376 by the monk Naong Hyegeun (1320-1376). The temple was built after Naong Hyegeun had a dream. The dream was about the Divine Sea god of the East Sea. During this dream, the Divine Sea god told Naong Hyegeun to build a temple on top of Mt. Bongnae. If Naong…
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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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Tongdosa Temple – 통도사 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Temple History Tongdosa Temple, which is located in northern Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, is the largest temple in all of Korea with twenty hermitages spread throughout its vast grounds. Tongdosa Temple means “Passing Through to Enlightenment Temple,” in English. Tongdosa Temple was first founded in 646 A.D. by the famed monk Jajang-yulsa (590-658 A.D.). According to the “Tongdosa-sarigasa-sajeok-yannok,” the temple site was originally a large pond, but it was covered over by landfill so as to allow for Tongdosa Temple to be built. Also, according to the “Tongdosa-yakji,” the name of Mt. Yeongchuksan, which is where Tongdosa Temple is located, the mountain was named after the mountain in India where the Buddha…
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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: Cheongryeonam Hermitage – 청련암 (Geumjeong-gu, Busan)
Hello Again Everyone!! Located on the Beomeosa Temple grounds in northern Busan, Cheongryeonam Hermitage means “Blue Lotus Hermitage,” in English. Not only is the hermitage the home to the Buddhist martial art Seonmudo, but it’s also the home to the most elaborate outdoor shrine dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). This bronze coloured statue dedicated by Jijang-bosal is surrounded by equally elaborate statues dedicated the Ten Kings of the Underworld and a collection of Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities) and a row of granite zodiac generals. It’s really something else to see. Any trip to Beomeosa Temple almost demands a visit to Cheongryeonam Hermitage. So take the time and…
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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: Seokguram Hermitage – 석굴암 (Gyeongju)
Hello Again Everyone!! Alongside Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Hermitage is the most internationally recognizable Buddhist site in Korea. And with Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Hermitage was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seokguram Hermitage was first built in 774 A.D. And the name of the temple means “Stone Cave Hermitage,” in English. The statue inside the grotto at Seokguram Hermitage is the most beautiful image of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul, in all of Korea and perhaps Asia. The statue is spell-binding just as soon as you step inside the stone grotto. So follow me, as we explore together, this amazing feat in both artistic and religious excellence in Gyeongju!