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Templestay – Jikjisa Temple (Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Introduction to Temple Jikjisa Temple is one of the oldest temples in Korea dating back to its founding in 418 A.D. by the monk Ado-hwasang. Jikjisa Temple is located in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do at the base of Mt. Hwangaksan (1111.3 m). The name of the temple means “Finger Pointing Temple” in English, and 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…
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Eunhasa Temple – 은하사 (Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Temple History Eunhasa Temple, which means “Silver Water Temple” in English, is located in the foothills of Mt. Sineonsan (630.7 m), or “Fish Deity Mountain” in English in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do. And the reason that Eunhasa Temple has this name is that Mt. Sineonsan used to be called Mt. Eunhasan. According to a legend, Eunhasa Temple dates back to the reign of King Suro of Geumgwan Gaya (?-199 A.D.), when it was built by the monk (and brother to Queen Heo), Jangyu-hwasang. What is more likely, and based upon earthenware found on the temple grounds, is that the temple dates back to the Three Kingdoms of Korea (18 B.C. – 660…
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Templestay – Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju)
Introduction to Temple Bulguksa Temple is arguably Korea’s most famous temple. It’s located in eastern Gyeongju, and it’s situated in the foothills of Mt. Tohamsan (745 m). Bulguksa Temple means “Buddha Kingdom Temple” in English. Bulguksa Temple was first constructed in 528 A.D., which was the first year that Buddhism was officially accepted by the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.) during the reign of King Beopheung of Silla (r. 514-540 A.D.). Originally, the temple was named Beopryusa Temple or Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple. Then nearly two hundred years later, the Bulguksa Temple that we know of today was first started in 742 A.D. The design and financial backing of…
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Templestay – Donghwasa Temple (Dong-gu, Daegu)
Introduction to Temple Donghwasa Temple is located on the southern slopes of Mt. Palgongsan (1193 m) in Dong-gu, Daegu. The name of the temple means “Paulownia Blossom Temple” in English. The temple was first built in 493 A.D. by the monk Geukdal, and it was originally named Yugasa Temple. However, when the temple was rebuilt in 832 A.D., the name of the temple changed to Donghwasa Temple. The re-naming of the temple pertains to a legend, when during the dead of winter, wild paulownia trees were in full bloom all around the temple grounds. This was thought of as an auspicious sign, so the temple was re-named Donghwasa Temple. During…
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Temple Site in Bomun-dong – 보문동 사지 (Gyeongju)
Temple Site History The Temple Site in Bomun-dong is located in the historic city of Gyeongju on the east side of the Bomun plains between Mt. Hindeungsan (268.7 m) and Mt. Nangsan (99.5 m). The name of the temple is assumed to be Bomunsa Temple because of a tile found at the site with “Bomun” written on it in Chinese characters. The roof file was discovered during Japanese Colonization (1910-1945). It’s unclear as to when the temple was first built, but it’s believed to have been built some time before the reign of King Gyeongmun of Silla (r. 861-875 A.D.). Currently, the temple site is located in and among numerous…
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Templestay – Guinsa Temple (Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do)
Introduction to Temple Guinsa Temple is located in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do. And the name of the temple means “Salvation of Humanity Temple” in English. Guinsa Temple is located up a long valley north of the towering Mt. Sobaeksan (1439.6 m). The temple was first completed in 1945, when a small hut was built on the grounds by the founder, Sangwol-wongak, of the modern Cheontae-jong Order. During the Korean War (1950-1953), the temple was destroyed by fire. Then in 1966, Guinsa Temple was rebuilt and expanded. Guinsa Temple is the headquarters to the Cheontae-jong Order in Korea, which governs over 140 temples like Samgwangsa Temple in Busan. Also, the Cheontae-jong Order has over two million…
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Siwang – The Ten Kings of the Underworld: 시왕
Introduction to the Ten Kings of the Underworld The origins and development of the Ten Kings of the Underworld, which are known as the “Siwang” in Korean, is a lengthy one. The Ten Kings, as we know them today, are solidified around the 9th century in China over a gradual process with numerous influences (both social and religious). Here is their journey through time, culture, and religions. Pre-Buddhism and Early Buddhism in China Before Buddhism had entered the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. – 220 A.D.), the descriptions of the afterlife are somewhat vague and simple. Additionally, these descriptions lack detail. Instead, all that the underworld is associated with is with…
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Geumryongam Hermitage – 금룡암 (Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do)
Hermitage History Geumryongam Hermitage, which means “Golden Dragon Hermitage” in English, is located to the east of Sinwonsa Temple in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do. It’s believed that the golden dragon that gives the hermitage its name inhabits the cascading stream on the eastern side of the hermitage grounds. Geumryongam Hermitage is one of five hermitages that’s located on the Sinwonsa Temple grounds. All of which are located in Gyeryongsan National Park. Unfortunately, very little is known about Geumryongam Hermitage. However, it does appear as though the hermitage buildings are post-Korean War (1950-1953). Overall, Geumryongam Hermitage exudes a lovely mixture of Buddhism and shamanism. Hermitage Layout You first make your way towards Geumryongam…
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Templestay – Beopjusa Temple (Boeun, Chungcheongbuk-do)
Introduction to Temple Beopjusa Temple, which is located in Songnisan National Park in Boeun, Chungcheongbuk-do, means “Dharma Residence Temple” in English. The temple was first built in 553 A.D. by the monk Uisin. After traveling to India to learn more about Buddhism, Uisin returned to the Korean Peninsula with Indian Buddhist texts. He carried these Buddhist texts on a white donkey, and he housed them at the temple he would call Beopjusa Temple. During the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), and in the early 1100’s, over 30,000 monks gathered at Beopjusa Temple to pray for the dying Uicheon-guksa (1055-1101). At its largest, Beopjusa Temple housed some three thousand monks. However, during the…
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Templestay – Naksansa Temple (Yangyang, Gangwon-do)
Introduction to Temple Naksansa Temple is located in Yangyang, Gangwon-do. The name of the temple is in reference to “Botarakgasan,” which is the mythical mountain, Mt. Potalaka, where Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) is believed to reside. The temple was first founded in 671 A.D. by Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.) upon his return from Tang China (618–690, 705–907 A.D.). Throughout the years, Naksansa Temple has been destroyed by fire numerous times. The temple was first destroyed by the invading Mongols during the 13th century. Throughout the years, Naksansa Temple has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times including during the 15th and 17th centuries. Then in 1953, Naksansa Temple was destroyed during…