Koreabridge
Geojoam Hermitage – 거조암 (Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
Geojoam Hermitage is located on the eastern slopes of the famed Mt. Palgongsan (1193 m) in Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do. And Geojoam Hermitage is a branch hermitage of the neighbouring Eunhaesa Temple. Originally, the hermitage was known as Haeansa Temple. However, there is some dispute as to when the temple was first built.
In fact, there are three theories as to when the temple was first built. The first theory states that the temple was first completed under the watchful eye of Wonhyo-daesa (617-686 A.D.) in 693 A.D. However, since Wonhyo-daesa died in 686 A.D., it’s highly unlikely that he founded Geojoam Hermitage in 693 A.D. Another theory states that the temple was completed in 738 A.D. by the monk Woncham. And a third theory states that the temple was completed during the reign of King Gyeongdeok of Silla (742 – 765 A.D.) through a royal decree. Whatever theory may be correct, all the theories claim that Geojoam Hermitage was completed before that of Eunhaesa Temple in 809 A.D. Throughout the years, Geojoam Hermitage has been renovated numerous times because of fires.
It’s believed that the Buddhist revival movement, which would become known as Jeonghye Gyeolsa, has its origins at Geojoam Hermitage. The movement was launched by the monk Deukjae, who was also the abbot of Geojoam Hermitage in 1188.
Predating this, in 1182, the monk Jinul (1158-1210) attended a dharma gathering at Bojesa Temple in Kaesong (now in present day North Korea). Here, he learned different meditation techniques. Then, in the spring of 1188, the abbot of Geojoam Hermitage, Deukjae, conducted a Buddhist gathering of fellow monks. It was at this time that Jinul was staying at Bomunsa Temple on Mt. Hagasan in Yecheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do. This meeting was conducted to form Jeonghye Gyeolsa (Concentration and Wisdom Community). This community would later move to Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do in 1190. It was here that Jinul would continue to grow this new Buddhist community by inviting monks from various Buddhist Orders with whom he had practiced and studied throughout the years before establishing Jeonghye Gyeolsa and Songgwangsa Temple.
The goal of Jeonghye Gyeolsa would be to create a new Buddhist community of pure-minded practitioners deep in the mountains of the Korean peninsula. This new form of Korean Buddhism would ultimately lead to the founding of the Jogye-jong Order. The main focus of Jinul’s new movement was to teach a comprehensive approach to Buddhism that included meditation (Seon), doctrine (Gyo), chanting and lectures. And Jinul’s time at Geojoam Hermitage would help form this new movement.
The Yeongsan-jeon Hall at Geojoam Hermitage from 1932.During the late Goryeo (918-1392), Geojoam Hermitage would gain a reputation as a great place to pray. This reputation was in large part due to a legend associated with the monk Wonham. In this legend, Wonham met an enlightened being named Nakseo at Geojoam Hermitage. From Nakseo, Wonham learned the teachings that revealed the dharma of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). It was through these teachings that a person could reach an eternal life. This made the hermitage famous for the site of important prayers.
During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and according to the Buddhist Temples Past and Present, which was published in 1799, Geojoam Hermitage was already closed at this time. Later, the hermitage was renovated. The exact date of this renovation is unknown. However, because the hermitage was largely destroyed, the renovations of Geojoam Hermitage focused on the historic Yeongsan-jeon Hall, which still remained intact.
In 1912, the hermitage changed its name from Geojosa Temple to that of Geojoam Hermitage, when Geojoam Hermitage became a branch hermitage of the neighbouring Eunhaesa Temple. A restoration of the entire hermitage took place in July, 1970, and the roof tiles for the Yeongsan-jeon Hall were repaired, as well, in June, 1978.
Geojoam Hermitage is home to one National Treasure. The Yeongsan-jeon Hall at Geojoam Hermitage is National Treasure #14, and it was first built in 1375, which makes it one of Korea’s oldest wooden structures. In fact, it’s one year older than the famed Muryangsu-jeon Hall at Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Admission to the hermitage is free.
Hermitage LayoutYou first approach Geojoam Hermitage from the hermitage parking lot. You’ll pass under the two-story Jong-ru Pavilion. The first story of the unpainted structure acts as an entryway to the main hermitage courtyard. And inside the second floor of the Jong-ru Pavilion, you’ll find all four of the traditional Buddhist percussion instruments.
Up the stone stairway, you’ll finally enter into the main hermitage courtyard. Straight ahead of you stands the historic Yeongsan-jeon Hall. This National Treasure was first built in August, 1375, making it the third oldest wooden structure at a Korean temple behind the Daeung-jeon Hall at Sudeoksa Temple and the Geukrak-jeon Hall at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The reason that we can know the precise age of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall is from calligraphic records found inside the hermitage structure. Also, and because of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall’s age, it allows us to look back into Korea’s past; and more specifically, a look back into the Goryeo Dynasty’s (918-1392) architectural past.
The unadorned exterior walls of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall are unique for its Jusimpo – 주심포 bracketing style. However, it’s the interior, more than the exterior, that makes the shrine hall so special. Housed inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall, you’ll find 526 stone statues dedicated to the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha). It’s exceedingly rare to find a temple or hermitage in Korea that houses the Nahan inside the main hall. And if you look close enough, you’ll notice that each of the historic stone Nahan statues has a different facial expression and pose.
Joining the rows of Nahan statues inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall is a main altar centred by Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). Seokgamoni-bul is surrounded by a beautiful stone nimbus. Furthermore, the Yeongsan-jeon Hall has become famous for being able to grant prayers for miraculous virtues.
Out in front of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall is a three-story stone pagoda that dates back to the late Goryeo Dynasty to the early Joseon Dynasty. The pagoda is classified as Gyeongsangbuk-do Cultural Property Material #104.
To the far left of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall, you’ll find the recently built monks’ quarters. And between the monks’ quarters and the Yeongsan-jeon Hall is the hermitage’s Sanshin-gak Hall. This diminutive shrine was built during the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). And housed inside the Sanshin-gak Hall is an image of the Mountain Spirit with a blue robe who is holding a wooden staff.
How To Get ThereThere is no bus that directly goes to Geojoam Hermitage. Instead, you’ll have to follow the signs that lead you towards the hermitage from the neighbouring Eunhaesa Temple. You can catch a bus from Hayang that leaves about every hour to get to Eunhaesa Temple.
Overall Rating: 8/10There isn’t all that much to see at Geojoam Hermitage. In fact, there are just a few structures at the hermitage which includes the Jong-ru Pavilion, the Sanshin-gak Hall, and the three-story stone pagoda. However, the size of Geojoam Hermitage means very little because it’s also home to one of Korea’s oldest wooden structures, which just so happens to be a National Treasure, as well. The Yeongsan-jeon Hall at Geojoam Hermitage dates back to 1375, and it gives visitors a helpful insight into what Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) architecture must have looked like. Adding to its overall beauty are the 526 statues of stone Nahan statues inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall, as well. You can spend hours simply marveling over the intricate beauty of this historic hermitage shrine hall so enjoy!
The Jong-ru Pavilion at the entry of the hermitage. The stairs leading up to the hermitage courtyard. The four traditional Buddhist percussion instruments on the second-story of the Jong-ru Pavilion. The historic Yeongsan-jeon Hall that dates back to 1375. The main altar inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall. The rows of beautiful stone Nahan inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall. A row of six Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha). A closer look at one of the Nahan. And yet another amazing look at a Nahan. The three-story stone pagoda in the centre of the hermitage courtyard. The monks’ dorms to the left of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall. The diminutive Sanshin-gak Hall that’s located between the Yeongsan-jeon Hall and the dorms. And the mural dedicated to the Mountain Spirit inside the Sanshin-gak Hall. —Dale's Korean Temple Adventures YouTube
다 보니까 "Realizing" | Live Class Abridged
This past Sunday we had another new live Korean class, and the topic was the grammar form 다 보니까.
The full form of 다 보니까 is actually 다(가) 보니(까), and we talked about how this form is actually a combination of the grammar ending 다(가), the verb 보다, and the ending (으)니(까). We also learned another usage for (으)니(까) besides "because."
The post 다 보니까 "Realizing" | Live Class Abridged appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.
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Canadian, F6 visa, female, looking for part time kindy in Yangsan
Hi, I have been living and working in Korea for over 10 years, originally from Canada. I am an outgoing, high spirited teacher with a lot of experience (especially with younger children). I am currently available for a morning, part time position during the week. If you would like further information and references please feel free to message or email me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Heather
HeatherHemstreet Resume 2021.doc HeatherHemstreet Resume 2021.doc50 Classroom Energizers and Games
Hi everyone,
I compiled a list of 50 Classroom Energizers and Games.
It's quite long at an hour, but I hope there are a few games that prove useful for class.
50 Games Website Article ► https://etateach.com/esl-games-energizers.html
YouTube Channel: Etacude—ERIC O. WESCH
Teacher/YouTuber
First Indian Olympic Gold Medalist Explains Why India Struggles at the Olympics | Stay Curious #45
Seoullo (Sky Garden), Squid Game Pop-up Playground, Plant (Vegan Café) and COVID-19 Relief Funds
Korea News and Crypto last week of September 2021-The Korea Podcast #132 #bitcoin #crypto
HP Pavilion15 15.6" laptop 8th gen i5
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Asking 380,000won
Call or text 010-2833-6637
IMG_0768.JPG IMG_0769 (1).JPG IMG_0770.JPG IMG_0771 (1).JPGWonhyodae Temple – 원효대 (Gijang-gun, Busan)
Wonhyodae Temple is located in Gijang-gun in eastern Busan. Wonhyodae Temple is located up a long valley just to the south-east of Mt. Daleumsan (588.1 m). Wonhyodae Temple is named after the famous monk Wonhyo-daesa (617-686 A.D.), who lived and taught in this part of Busan during the 7th century. In fact, it’s believed that Wonhyodae Temple is located near what was a Silla-era temple named Chwijeongsa Temple, which no longer exists, but was founded by Wonhyo-daesa. And just to the east lies the much smaller Daedosa Temple.
The temple site for Wonhyodae Temple is quite large at nearly 8,000 m2. It was first founded in October, 1898. And it was officially registered as a temple with Gyeongsangnam-do in 1923. The temple is home to half a dozen temple shrine halls, a bell pavilion, and a triad of entry gates.
Temple LayoutYou first approach Wonhyodae Temple alongside an offshoot of the neighbouring Ilgwang-cheon River. At the end of this watery offshoot, and down a country road, you’ll find Wonhyodae Temple. Hanging a left towards the temple sign that reads “Wonhyodae – 원효대,” you’ll arrive at the temple parking lot. The first thing to greet you at the temple grounds are a collection of three Podae-hwasang (The Hempen Bag) statues. The bronze coloured statues are joined to the right by a smaller sized collection of statues. The statues are headed by Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha), who is teaching the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha).
Straight ahead, and up a flight of stairs, you’ll next encounter the Cheonwangmun Gate. Inside this temple entry gate are four crudely sculpted statues dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings. Next, passing through the slender Haetalmun Gate, you’ll finally enter the main temple courtyard at Wonhyodae Temple.
Straight ahead of you stands the rather boxy Daeung-jeon Hall. While understated around its exterior, as soon as you step inside the main hall at Wonhyodae Temple, you’ll be greeted by a row of some nine large statues on the main altar. The three central statues are that of Seokgamoni-bul in the middle, who is joined on either side by Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power) and Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom). This triad is then joined to the right by another triad. This triad is centred by Yaksayeorae-bul (The Medicine Buddha, and the Buddha of the Eastern Paradise). This central image is then joined to the right and left by Ilgwang-bosal (The Sun Bodhisattva) and Wolgwang-bosal (The Moon Bodhisattva). And to the left of the main triad is yet another triad. This triad of statues is centred by Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). This statue is joined on either side by Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and Daesaeji-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Power for Amita-bul). These nine statues on the main altar are joined in the left corner by a shrine dedicated solely to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). And hanging on the far right wall is a large Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall are two additional temple shrine halls. The first, which can only be entered through a side entrance to the right, is the Gwaneum-jeon Hall. Resting on the main altar is one of the most elaborate one thousand armed and eleven headed statues of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) in all of Korea. To the right hangs a collection of murals dedicated to prominent monks like Wonhyo-daesa. And to the left of the main altar statue of Gwanseeum-bosal rests a triad of statues centred by Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). This triad is then joined on the left wall by a black Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
The other shrine hall in this area is the temple’s Myeongbu-jeon Hall. Stepping inside this temple shrine hall, you’ll notice a black haired statue of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) sitting on the main altar. This statue is joined on either side by the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld). The interior of the Myeongbu-jeon Hall is beautifully adorned with dancheong colours. And hanging on the left wall of the hall is a beautiful, modern Dragon Ship of Wisdom mural.
Between the Gwaneum-jeon Hall and the Daeung-jeon Hall is a glass enclosure that also acts as an outdoor shrine. This glass enclosure acts as both the Yongwang-dang Hall, which is dedicated to Yongwang (The Dragon King). This enclosure also has a shrine dedicated to an all-white Gwanseeum-bosal. The Yongwang shrine has a seated image of Yongwang, as well as one of the largest murals of the Dragon King. To the right of Yongwang stands a large image of Gwanseeum-bosal. Both are joined by mountain water that flows in and out of the glass outdoor shrine.
The final shrine hall that visitors can explore at Wonhyodae Temple is the Samseong-gak Hall. Located between the Gwaneum-jeon Hall and the Yongwang-dang Hall, and up a bit of a wooded trail, is the location of the shaman shrine hall. The golden lettering above the entry to the Samseong-gak Hall really stands out and penetrates the eyes. Stepping inside the Samseong-gak Hall, you’ll find multiple images of the three most popular shaman deities in Korean Buddhism. Hanging on the far right wall is an older painting dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars). To the left, and now on the main altar, you’ll find another older image. This time, this smaller painting is dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). This older mural is fronted by a statue of the same shaman deity, Dokseong. To the left of this mural and statue of Dokseong is another mural dedicated to Chilseong. The large mural in the centre, which is fronted by a triad of statues, is another image dedicated to Chilseong. To the left of this third image of Chilseong is a large statue dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), who holds a large golden ginseng root in his hands. Sanshin is also wearing a large emperor’s crown. On the far left wall, you’ll see another older mural dedicated to Sanshin. This painting of the Mountain Spirit is joined by a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) that’s fronted by a statue of Sanshin.
How To Get ThereFrom the Jwacheon Train Station in Gijang-gun, you’ll need to take a taxi to get to Wonhyodae Tepmle. The taxi ride should take about fifteen minutes, and it’ll cost you around 10,000 won (one way).
Overall Rating: 7/10There are several key features to Wonhyodae Temple like the loaded Samseong-gak Hall with the ginseng holding Sanshin. Other beautiful features to the temple is the Yongwang-dang outdoor shrine, the elaborate Gwanseeum-bosal statue, and the Daeung-jeon Hall’s main altar that’s filled with images of both Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. While this temple certainly has a more modern feel to it, and it’s also a bit harder to get to, it’s definitely worth a visit for the true temple adventurer.
A collection of Nahan statues listening to the teachings of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). A look through the Cheonwangmun Gate at Wonhyodae Temple. One of the Four Heavenly Kings inside the Cheonwangmun Gate. The Daeung-jeon Hall at Wonhyodae Temple. A look across the well-populated main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall. The shrine dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) inside the Daeung-jeon Hall. The outdoor shrine dedicated to Yongwang (The Dragon King) and Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion). The mural and statue dedicated to Yongwang (The Dragon King). And the statue of an all-white Gwanseeum-bosal. A look inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall. And the ornate statue dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal inside the Gwaneum-jeon Hall. A look inside the well-populated Samseong-gak Hall at Wonhyodae Temple. And the ginseng-holding statue of Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) inside the Samseong-gak Hall. —Dale's Korean Temple Adventures YouTube
How to use (的) 적 (한자) | Korean FAQ
Ever seen a word that ended with 적 (or 적이다, or 적인, or 적으로...) and wondered what that part meant? It's probably the 한자 ending 的, which is read as 적 and can attach to the end of many 한자 words to change their usage. Specifically, 적 can transform a noun into an adverb, an adjective, and a descriptive verb.
Find out what this 한자 means and how to use it in today's newest episode of "Korean FAQ" right here~!
The post How to use (的) 적 (한자) | Korean FAQ appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.
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Busan Online Meditation Seminar (Free)
From: https://www.meetup.com/busan-meditation/events/280792328/
Details
During the lifetime, we face big and small problems, and all the answers to that problems are within oneself.
You can find the answers through meditation by looking back on you and finding the true self.--
Hope we can meditate together and find true happiness.--
WHO
Any English speaker who lives in Busan
WHEN
6th October 8pm at Zoom
What
FREE Online meditation Seminar
We recommend it to people who
- Are interested in meditation
- Want to know how to live a happier life
- Want to reflect on yourself and live a better life
- Have any concerns about future or career
The best thing you can do with $2 at the Han River
Anyone who visits Seoul will spot the Han River, as it's one of the most popular spots for both tourists and residents. You can go walking, have a picnic (often with fried chicken), and enjoy the scenery. But if you want to see more of the river you'll have to ride a bicycle. Unfortunately, unless you live close to the Han River, it's not likely you'll have your own bicycle once you get there. Fortunately the Korean government operates an app called "Seoul Bike" (called 따릉이 in Korean), which is an easy and cheap way to rent bikes near the Han River. I brought my friend Miru along and we went for a relaxing 2 hour ride.
Say hi to Miru (미루) and tell her Billy sent you! https://www.instagram.com/misoharu_miru/
This video is not sponsored in any way.
The post The best thing you can do with $2 at the Han River appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.
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Gwanchoksa Temple – 관촉사 (Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do)
Gwanchoksa Temple in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do is located on the diminutive slopes of Mt. Banyasan (100 m). The temple was first founded in 968 A.D., at the start of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), by the monk Hyemyeong-daesa. The temple was rebuilt several times throughout the centuries. And the history of the temple is intermingled with several myths and legends.
Gwanchoksa Temple is home to a National Treasure and a Korean Treasure. The National Treasure is the Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple, which is also known as the Eunjin Mireuk Statue. For the longest of times, it was known as a Korean Treasure, Korean Treasure #218. Then in 2018, that statue became National Treasure #323. As for the Korean Treasure, it’s the Stone Lantern of Gwanchoksa Temple, which is Korean Treasure #232.
Admission to the temple is 1,500 won.
Temple LegendsAccording to a legend, while a woman was picking wild herbs on Mt. Banyasan, she heard a baby crying. When she went to the spot where she heard the baby crying, there wasn’t a baby; instead, there was a large stone sticking out from the ground. Learning this, the government ordered the monk Hyemyeong to make a Buddha statue from this large stone. Hyemyeong tried to build the Buddha statue employing some one hundred professionals from 968 A.D. to 1006 A.D. However, when they attempted to stand the Eunjin Mireuk Statue, it was too big, so they couldn’t make the statue stand. They were very worried that they wouldn’t ever be able to make the large statue stand. One day Hyemyeong saw two child monks playing with a Buddha statue made of dirt. This statue was cut into three parts. After witnessing this, Hyemyeong rushed back to the temple and told his sculptors to make the ground flat. Following what he had just seen, Hyemyeong told the sculptors to place the bottom part of the statue first on the ground. Afterwards, the middle and upper portions of the Eunjin Mireuk Statue were placed together to complete the statue.
Hyemyeong was to later learn that these two child monks were in fact Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) and Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power). The reason that they appeared to Hyemyeong in this way was to teach him. And with the Eunjin Mireuk Statue completed, it suddenly started to rain. And for the next twenty-one days, it rained. It was said that there was auspicious energy surrounding the statue at this time and people saw a light shining forth from between the eyes of the statue. In fact, one day a Chinese monk followed this light and ended up at Gwanchoksa Temple. And he said that the light was like a candle’s light, so that’s how the temple became known as “Gwanchoksa.”
There are a couple other legends involving Gwanchoksa Temple. One day, when China had a war with Korea, the Chinese made it all the way up the neighbouring river next to Gwanchoksa Temple. The Eunjin Mireuk Statue disguised itself as a monk with a satgat (a traditional bamboo hat). The statue walked across the river so that the Chinese thought that the river was shallow. Thinking this, the soldiers jumped into the river and drowned. Angry, the Chinese general hit the statue’s satgat with his sword, and the statue’s crown on top of the Eunjin Mireuk Statue was broken. This part of the Eunjin Mireuk Statue still remains broken to this day.
And one more legend concerning the Eunjin Mireuk Statue describes a time when the Korean peninsula was at peace. It was at this time that the body of the statue shined. It was believed to be a sign of the auspicious energy that surrounded the statue. But once a war had broken out on the Korean peninsula, the Eunjin Mireuk Statue started to sweat and the flower in its hand lost its colour. It’s also believed that if you pray to the Eunjin Mireuk Statue that all your wishes will come true.
Gwanchoksa Temple in 1910. Temple LayoutYou first approach the elevated temple grounds from the north. Eventually, you’ll pass through a stately two-pillar Iljumun Gate. After passing through the Iljumun Gate, you’ll next encounter the Cheongwangmun Gate with some shrunken-headed Four Heavenly Kings inside this entry gate. Now making your way up the slight incline, as you make your way zig-zagging up the pathway, you’ll pass under the Banya-ru Pavilion to gain entry to the temple courtyard at Gwanchoksa Temple.
The first temple shrine hall to greet you at Gwanchoksa Temple is the impressive two-story Daegwangmyeong-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to this hall are adorned with various murals of the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha). And the floral latticework on the front doors to the Daegwangmyeong-jeon Hall are beautiful. Stepping inside the Daegwangmyeong-jeon Hall, you’ll be welcomed by a rather long and slender main altar and canopy. Sitting in the centre of a triad of statues is that of Birojana-bul (The Buddha of Cosmic Energy). This statue is joined on either side by Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) and Nosana-bul (The Reward Body Buddha). And hanging on the far left wall is a large Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). Also taking up residence inside the Daegwangmyeong-jeon Hall are hundreds of smaller golden Mireuk-bul (Future Buddha) statues similar to the famed historic Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple that awaits you.
To the right of the Daegwangmyeong-jeon Hall is the Myeongbu-jeon Hall at Gwanchoksa Temple. Housed inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall is a green haired statue of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). With a staff pointed outwards, he greets any and all visitors to his temple shrine hall. There is also a mural dedicated to Samyeong-daesa (1544-1610) inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall, as well. And next to the Myeongbu-jeon Hall, and up a meandering set of stairs, is the temple’s Samseong-gak Hall. This shaman shrine hall houses three rather underwhelming murals dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint), Chilseong (The Seven Stars), and Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit).
But it’s down the stairs, and back in the main temple courtyard, that’s probably the real reason you’ve traveled all the way to Gwanchoksa Temple. The Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple is 18.12 metres tall, and it was built from 968 – 1006 A.D. The Eunjin Mireuk-bul consists of two large stone pieces. And it’s the largest historic stone Buddha in Korea. The design of the statue is typical of early Goryeo Dynasty designs. And according to a temple legend, before the statue was built, the founding monk, Hyemyeong-daesa, was really worried about how he would find the funds to construct such a large statue. Later, he decided to build the statue anyways, after he realized it was meaningless to worry about the funds, when he saw children playing with mud on the river bank. As was already mentioned, the Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple was a Korean Treasure; however, in 2018, it became National Treasure #323.
As for the actual design of the historic statue, it has an oval shaped head and two piercing cat-like eyes that appear to be meditative in composition and otherworldly, almost alien, in comparison to other statues of Mireuk-bul in Korea. The statue is topped by a 2.43 metre tall crown. This crown is adorned with bells on each of the two levels of the rectangular crown.
Standing in front of the Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple is the Stone Lantern of Gwanchoksa Temple. This stone lantern is Korean Treasure #232. The stone lantern, or “seokdeung – 석등” in Korean, was first built in 968 A.D. by Hyemyeong-daesa. The stone lantern consists of a three-tiered pedestal. The upper and lower portions to this pedestal have a roughly carved lotus flower design. Around the middle section of this pedestal, you’ll find seven bands carved horizontally around it. The stripe in the centre is thicker than the others, and it’s adorned with eight blossoms. Atop this pedestal is a light chamber, which is squarish in design. This design was rather typical of the Goryeo Dynasty. The four windows to the light chamber are disproportionately large. The large finial that sits atop this light chamber is supported by four rather slender pillars from the light chamber. The roof stones to the stone lantern are adorned with floral patterns around the edges, and the eaves of the lantern have a gradual curve upwards at the corners. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the stone lantern is the flame-shaped ornament at the top of the structure. The entire stone lantern looks strong, yet vulnerable. It’s also the second largest historical stone lantern in Korea next to Stone Lantern at Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple, which is National Treasure #12.
In front of the stone lantern, and in front of an old three-story pagoda, you’ll find a Stone for Worship Taking at Gwanchoksa Temple. The square stone is where people paid respect to the Buddha. The worship stone is rectangular in shape, and it has two-stories. In total, there are three lotus flower reliefs on top of this worship stone. The largest, and most beautiful, of the three is in the centre. Each flower has eight petals. The tips of the petals are sharp. There is some debate as to when this worship stone was first created, but it’s assumed to have been made at the same time as the founding of the temple in 968 A.D.
The final temple shrine hall that visitors can explore at Gwanchoksa Temple stands out in front of both the Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple and the Stone Lantern of Gwanchoksa Temple. This is the Mireuk-jeon Hall. As the name kind of hints at, it’s dedicated to Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha). Rather interestingly, there are several paintings surrounding the exterior walls to this hall that are dedicated to the founding of Gwanchoksa Tempe. Stepping inside the Mireuk-jeon Hall, you’ll notice that there’s no statues on the main altar, which is reminiscent of the Daeung-jeon Hall at Tongdosa Temple. Instead, what you’ll find is a golden ring painted directly onto a window that looks out onto both the historic statue and stone lantern. To the side of this main altar window is a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) and an altar for the controversial Park Chung-hee (1917-1979) and his wife, Yuk Young-soo (1925-1974).
After seeing everything in and around the temple grounds, you can then pass through the historic Haetalmun Gate. This gate is believed to have first been constructed during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
How To Get ThereFrom the Nonsan Intercity Bus Terminal, you can simply take a taxi to get to Gwanchoksa Temple. The ride will take about seven minutes, and it’ll cost you between four to five thousand won (one way).
Overall Rating: 8.5/10Without a doubt, the Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple, or the Eunjin Mireuk Statue, is the main highlight to Gwanchoksa Temple. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more impressive statue of Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha) in all of Korea. It’s both beautiful and otherworldly in the same breath. In addition to this amazing, historic statue is the Stone Lantern of Gwanchoksa Temple, the murals around the Mireuk-jeon Hall and the two-story Daegwangmyeong-jeon Hall.
A look through the Iljumun Gate at the entry of Gwanchoksa Temple. One of the Four Heavenly Kings inside the Cheonwangmun Gate. Making your way up to the main temple courtyard at Gwanchoksa Temple. A look up at the Banya-ru Pavilion. The two-story Daegwangmyeong-jeon Hall. The main altar inside the Daegwangmyeong-jeon Hall. A look inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall at Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). The swirling stairs leading up to the Samseong-gak Hall. And the view from the Samseong-gak Hall. The Mireuk-jeon Hall with the Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple in the background. One of the murals adorning the Mireuk-jeon Hall depicting the creation of the Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple. A look through the window inside the Mireuk-jeon Hall out towards the Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple. Both the Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple and the Stone Lantern of Gwanchoksa Temple together. A closer look at the face of the historic Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple. One more look at the amazing Standing Stone Mireuk-bosal Statue of Gwanchoksa Temple. And a look back towards the temple courtyard. —Dale's Korean Temple Adventures YouTube