Yeongju Propagation Centre – 영주포교당 (Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Temple History
The Yeongju Propagation Centre, which is a temple, is located in urban Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do just to the east of Guseong Park. The Yeongju Propagation Centre is also known as Hongbeopsa Temple, which means “Great Dharma Temple” in English. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), there was a temple site for Hyangseodang (the revitalization of Buddhist practice) on the current location of the Yeongju Propagation Centre. It was first established in 1371 by Ha Ryun, who was the appointed magistrate of Yeongju. The former temple helped serve as a local Buddhist organization for villagers that sought guidance. After the Gabo Reform (갑오개혁, 1894–1896), this system was abolished. As a result, the Hyangseodang building became the property of the Buddhist community in Yeongju.
Around 1900, the Yeongju Propagation Centre was built under the management of Gimnyongsa Temple in Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Currently, it falls under the management of Gounsa Temple. The propagation centre was built by dismantling the former Hyangseodang temple site buildings. From this, they were able to build the Yeongju Propagation Centre. At that time, the main hall was located in Hamang-dong. However, after 1940, the propagation centre was relocated to its current site. In the 1970s, the temple underwent a major renovation, including the reconstruction of the Daeung-jeon Hall in 1978. In 1983 and 2001, the Yosachae (monks’ dorms) were built. And in 2009, the Daeung-jeon Hall was adorned with its present dancheong colours.
In front of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find an assortment of stone artifacts that include a partial stone lantern and two partial stone pagodas. They are thought to date back to either Unified Silla (668-935 A.D.) or the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) in the Yeongju area. They don’t appear to be complete, which explains their mismatching size and proportions. The two stone pagodas were made by stacking pieces from different pagodas together. There are also a couple of stone lantern, as well, both in front and behind the main hall. The Yeongju Propagation Centre is one of the 982 traditional Buddhist temples in Korea.
Temple Layout
You first approach the Yeongju Propagation Centre from a city side street. The entry to the temple grounds is located on the southwest corner. As you first enter the temple grounds, you’ll notice a pair of Geumgang-yeoksa (Vajra Warriors) on the entry gate doors. And just beyond these, and on the left wall, you’ll find a painting dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion).
Around the corner to your left, you’ll enter the main temple courtyard. Straight ahead of you, and beyond the two broken pagodas from either Unified Silla or Goryeo, as well as the partial seokdeung (stone lantern), you’ll find the Daeung-jeon Hall. To the far right, the seokdeung is missing the body stone that supports the main light chamber. There are four reliefs that adorn the light chamber. They appear to be the Four Heavenly Kings. The central pagoda appears to be missing its base and finial that adorns the top of the pagoda. Also, the roof-stones appear to be damaged, as well. And the pagoda to the far left also appears as though it’s missing its base and finial. Rather interestingly, they have eight unique reliefs adorning the central body stone. They appear to be the Eight Legions, and they also appear to be holding swords.
To the rear of these three stone artifacts, you’ll find the Daeung-jeon Hall. The exterior walls are adorned with murals from the Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals). The rest of the exterior is adorned in intricate dancheong that also includes lotus flowers. Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a main altar occupied by a triad centred by Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). This image is joined on either side by statues dedicated to Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) and Yaksayeorae-bul (The Buddha of the Eastern Paradise). This triad rests underneath a golden canopy, and it’s surrounded by miniature, golden statues of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. On the far right wall, you’ll find a pair of paintings. The first is a black-accented Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural), while the other is an older mural dedicated Chilseong (The Seven Stars). The other side altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall is dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). This statue is back by an older altar painting dedicated to both the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld) and Jijang-bosal.
To the rear of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find another pair of broken seokdeung (stone lanterns). To the left of these two stone lanterns is a worn relief dedicated, presumably, to an Asura, which is one of Eight Legions. Perhaps this relief once adorned the base of a stone pagoda that no longer exists.
To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a two-story structure. The first story acts as the administrative office and monks’ dorms. And the second story is used for Geumgang Buddhist College classes. And to the right rear of the main hall, you’ll find the temple’s kitchen.
How To Get There
From the Yeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, you’ll need to board Bus #8-1 to get to the Yeongju Propagation Centre. You’ll need to take this bus for 6 stops, or 7 minutes, and get off at the “Seolak Geongangwon – 설악건강원 하차” bus stop. From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to head east along “Yeongju-ro – 영주로”, until you get to the “Yeongju-ro 176 beon-gil – 영주로 176 번길” to your south. Follow this road for about 400 metres, until you head right down a separate road. Down this side street, you’ll need to head west for about 50 metres. You should be able to see the signs in this area that will guide you the rest of the way to the Yeongju Propagation Centre. In total, the walk is about 500 metres, or 7 minutes.
And if you’d rather take a taxi instead of using public transportation, the taxi ride from the Yeongju Intercity Bus Terminal to the Yeongju Propagation Centre will take about 6 minutes, or 2.3 km, and it’ll cost you around 4,500 won (one way).
Overall Rating: 4/10
Older urban temples are definitely uncommon in Korea. And while not super old, the Yeongju Propagation Centre has provided assistance to those Buddhist in the city for over a hundred years. The fragmented stone lanterns and pagodas from Unified Silla and/or Goryeo are definitely something to take a close look at. The exterior paintings of the Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals) that adorn the exterior of the Daeung-jeon Hall are masterful, and the interior has a pair of older murals dedicated to Chilseong and Jijang-bosal. But perhaps the greatest highlight to the temple is the friendly, English-speaking abbot. If you’re lucky enough to be invited in for tea, I highly recommend it.
