Temple Myth

This temple post is a little different than others in that the temple no longer exists. However, because of its historical significance, and with it being in North Korea, I decided to do a post on it. And it should be noted, before I get too far ahead of myself, that this article will largely use the North Korean spelling of locations. Now, with all that being said, Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple] has one of the more interesting temple myths associated with it.

Rather strangely, and according to “Saji,” a historical document, Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple] was first founded in 4 A.D., which is rather odd since Buddhism first officially entered into the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C. – 668 A.D.) in the year 372 A.D. Now, as for the myth, it centres around Yujomsa Temple and 53 Buddha statues. According to a Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) historical document, after Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) entered Nirvana, the people in Sawi castle (in the middle region of India) were very sad because they couldn’t see or visit Seokgamoni-bul while he was alive. So because they couldn’t meet Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha), they decided to gather gold to make 53 statues of the Buddha. When they did this, they floated these statues on a boat, hoping that they could also enter into Nirvana.

This boat drifted around with a dragon as a guide. The boat would eventually land at Woljiguk (historians believe this now to be apart of Chungcheongnam-do). And the king would not only worship these 53 Buddha statues, but he also built a shrine for them. But for whatever reason, this shrine burnt down. So the king wanted to build a new shrine for these 53 Buddha statues, again. However, one night, while dreaming, the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul, came to the king. In this dream, Seokgamoni-bul said, “I’m going to leave this country, so don’t try to build a new shrine.” Instead, what the king did was build a new boat for these 53 statues of Seokgamoni-bul, and he set sail to them, once more.

This boat would float around the seas and oceans for 900 years. Eventually, it would arrive at the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.). A Silla court official then went out to see this miraculous boat. When he arrived, he looked inside the boat. When he did, he found that the 53 statues of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul, had all disappeared. Instead, what he found were leaves along the beach that led towards Mt. Kumgangsan [Mt. Geumgangsan].

So this official walked towards Mt. Geumgangsan. Along the way, a white dog appeared, so the official followed the dog. While he was walking, the official found a zelkova tree. And under this zelkova tree, the 53 Buddha statues were discovered. These were the very same statues that had been launched centuries ago from India. Hearing this, the king built a temple where they were found. This temple would be Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple].

After Korea regained its independence from Japanese Colonial Rule (1910-1945), it was revealed that three of the 53 Buddha statues were missing. Then during the Korean War (1950-1953), all of the remaining 50 were destroyed.

Temple History

Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple] was located in Kosan [Gosan], Kangwon-to [Gangwon-do], North Korea. It was the largest of the four major temples around Mt. Kumgangsan [Geumgangsan] (1638 m). Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple] was first founded during the 6th century as part of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.). Throughout its long history, Yujomsa Temple underwent several renovations and enlargements. One of the more major enlargements of the temple took place in 1168 under King Uijong of Goryeo (r. 1146-1170). There would be subsequent work conducted on Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple] in the 15th century, which would help the temple grow even larger in size.

During the Imjin War (1592-1598) against the invading Japanese, Yujomsa Temple was used as a base for the Righteous Army led by Samyeong-daesa (1544-1610). Eventually, and alongside Changansa Temple [Jangansa Temple], Pyohunsa Temple [Bohyeonsa Temple], and Singyesa Temple, the four temples would become known as the Four Great Temples of Mt. Kumgangsan [Geumgangsan]. Of the four, Yujomsa Temple was the largest and oldest. In total, Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple] would grow to include some forty buildings. And between 1833 to 1885, Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple] would undergo its final expansion.

During Japanese Colonial Rule (1910-1945), Mt. Kumgangsan [Mt. Geumgangsan] became a popular tourist site for the Japanese. And Yujomsa Temple, which was known as Yusen-ji Temple in Japanese, was one of the most popular destinations for travelers to Mt. Kumgangsan. Because of its popularity, Yujomsa Temple received additional funding to restore the temple during Japanese Colonial Rule. Additionally, Yujomsa Temple was one of the 31 headquarters for the nationwide organization of Korean Buddhist temples by the Japanese. And it oversaw the management of some 60 branch temples. At this time, Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple] consisted of a Sanyeong-ru Pavilion, a Neunginbo-jeon Hall, a Sanshin-gak Hall, a nine-story pagoda, and dorms.

Despite its historical significance, however, Yujomsa Temple was bombed by the U.S. military during the Korean War (1950-1953). It was believed that the Korean People’s Army (North Korean Army) was using Yujomsa Temple as a base. As a result, Yujomsa Temple was bombed and nothing remains of the temple except for the temple’s foundation stones and the Joseon-era (1392-1910) bronze bell that was moved to Pohyunsa Temple [Bohyeonsa Temple] on Mt. Myohyangsan.

How To Get There

Unfortunately, you can’t. The temple simply no longer exists. But for now, all that remains of this once famous temple are the foundation stones and the temple bell at Pohyunsa Temple [Bohyeonsa Temple].

Overall Rating: 3/10

Unfortunately, Yujomsa Temple [Yujeomsa Temple] no longer exists. Just like Mireuksa-ji Temple Site in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do and Hwangnyongsa-ji Temple Site in Gyeongju, very little of the temple outside the foundation stones still exist. And for that reason, it rates as low as it does. However, it still is North Korea, and there is still hope that one day, like the neighbouring Singyesa Temple, Yujomsa Temple will be restored. Here’s to hoping!

Historical Pictures of Yujomsa Temple

Many Korean words are pronounced differently than they're written. For a beginner, this can be confusing. Even after applying sound change rules, there can be words which are not read how you'd expect.

This video will specifically cover a few words that are pronounced differently than they're written, including 닦다, 카페, 버스, 게임, 댄스, 서비사, 간단하다, 예요, and 자장면.

The post Korean Words Pronounced Differently Than They’re Written | Korean FAQ appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Temple History

Daedunsa Temple is located on the northeastern side of Mt. Bokusan (508 m) in northern Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Daedunsa Temple is one of the earliest temples to have been established in Korea that’s still in existence. The temple was founded in 446 A.D. by the monk Ado, who may or may not be the same Ado that founded Jikjisa Temple.

In 1231, Daedunsa Temple was completely destroyed by fire by the invading Mongols during the Mongol Invasions of Korea (1231-1270). The temple would be rebuilt during the reign of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo (r. 1274-1308). In fact, the temple was rebuilt by Wangsogun, who was the eldest son of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo. Wangsogun became a monk in 1276 and took the Dharma name of Pungtan. After this, and the reconstruction of Daedunsa Temple, there are no records of Wangsogun in his later life.

After the Japanese invasion of the Korean Peninsula during the Imjin War (1592-1598), the warrior monk, Samyeong-daesa (1544-1610), helped to enlarge Daedunsa Temple. In the process of enlarging the temple, Samyeong-daesa included ten additional residential buildings to help house an additional ten thousand warrior monks, if a war should happen, once more, with the Japanese. While no longer as large as it once was, Daedunsa Temple gives us insight into just how important the temple was to the history of Korea and Korean Buddhism.

In total, Daedunsa Temple is home to two Korean Treasures. They are the Dry-lacquered Seated Amitabha Buddha of Daedunsa Temple, which is Korean Treasure #1633; and the Daeungjeon Hall of Daedunsa Temple, which is Korean Treasure #1945. Daedunsa Temple is also home to one Natural Monument, which are the Natural Habitat of Yoshino Cherries in Daedunsan Mountain.

Temple Layout

You first approach Daedunsa temple up a steep mountainous incline. From the temple parking lot, and to the right of a large, stone retaining wall, you’ll make your way up a set of stairs towards the main temple courtyard at Daedunsa Temple.

Straight ahead of you stands the Daeung-jeon Hall. The main hall dates back to the late 1600s. The exterior walls to the Daeung-jeon Hall are adorned with various guardian murals. Stepping inside, and rather uniquely for a Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a solitary image of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) on the main altar under a large, red canopy. Typically, an image of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) takes up residence inside a Daeung-jeon Hall. But perhaps because the statue is a Korean Treasure, and it’s so important, it resides inside the main hall at Daedunsa Temple. Dry-lacquered Seated Amitabha Buddha of Daedunsa Temple, which is Korean Treasure #1633, dates back to the late Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). The statue stands 105.5 cm in height. The head and body of the statue are made of dry lacquer, while the hands are made of wood. The statue is a wonderful example of artistry found during the transition made between the Goryeo Dynasty and the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) in Korean Buddhist artwork. As for the rest of the interior of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) to the right of the main altar. And between both the main altar and the Shinjung Taenghwa is a mural dedicated to Amita-bul. This mural dates back to 1714. As for the Daeung-jeon Hall, it’s Korean Treasure #1945.

To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall, and slightly up an embankment past an old, gnarled tree, is the Samseong-gak Hall. It’s inside this shaman shrine hall that you get to look at a beautiful set of older shaman murals. Of note are the intimidating eyes of the leopard-looking tiger inside the Sanshin (Mountain Spirit) mural. Another interesting feature is the white spider crawling into the right ear of Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). And the Chilseong (Seven Stars) mural that completes the set of the three shaman murals is an older composition, as well.

Directly to the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall, on the other hand, is the temple’s Myeongbu-jeon Hall. Surrounding the exterior walls of the Myeongbu-jeon Hall are the twelve zodiac generals, the Sibiji-shin. Housed inside this dimly lit temple shrine hall, and resting on the main altar, is a golden statue of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). Jijang-bosal is backed by a beautiful wooden relief of himself, as well as the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld). Other statues inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall are ten seated images dedicated to the Siwang, as well as two fierce statues of the Geumgang-yeoksa (Vajra Warriors) at both entries to the Myeongbu-jeon Hall. Adorning the rest of the interior of the Myeongbu-jeon Hall are murals dedicated to the Siwang and the ten regions they rule over in the Underworld. There’s also a Banya Yongseon-do (Dragon Ship of Wisdom Mural) inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall, as well.

And perched on the far right, and past a vegetable garden, is the Nahan-jeon Hall at Daedunsa Temple. While the exterior walls are largely unadorned all but for their dancheong colours, the interior more than makes up for the exterior’s simplicity. Resting on the main altar is an unusual-looking triad centred by Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). And this unusual-looking triad is joined inside the Nahan-jeon Hall on both sides by rather large wooden statues of the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha).

How To Get There

From the Gumi Intercity Bus Terminal, you’ll need to take a bus bound for the Angye Bus Terminal. The trip between bus terminals should last about an hour, and it’ll cost you about 7,000 won. From the Angye Bus Terminal, you’ll next need to take a taxi to Daedunsa Temple. The ride should take about 40 minutes, and it’ll cost you about 20,000 won (one way).

Overall Rating: 7/10

The main highlight to Daedunsa Temple is the Daeung-jeon Hall and the historic image of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) that resides inside the main hall. Other beautiful features at Daedunsa Temple is the early 18th century painting dedicated to Amita-bul inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, the murals of the three shaman deities inside the Samseong-gak Hall, and the main altar statues inside the Nahan-jeon Hall. In addition to all of this artistic beauty, Daedunsa Temple is beautifully situated in northern Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

South Korea got a lot of (deserved) criticism for its erratic, corporate-profits-uber-alles approach to the Ukraine War. It has since come around, but only after the US twisted its arm with export control threats. And its MPs mostly skipped Zelensky’s speech to the SK parliament. All in all it was a pretty poor showing.

This is a re-post of a column I wrote a few days ago for the Japan Times. For other commentary in the same vein, try here, here, and here.

Some of this was straight-up mercantilism. The government complained about corporate investments in Russian being put at risk, plus the wider trade relationship. That came off so callous and tone-deaf that South Korean citizens pushed back. But it illustrates a long-established problem in South Korean foreign policy: the country’s largest corporations are far too influential, creating a what’s-good-for-Samsung-is-good-for-Korea mentality which is wrong, plutocratic, and undemocratic.

But the larger issue applies to all democracies trading a lot with autocracies: trade creates leverage, and autocracies are happy to weaponize it. China already did this in the THAAD fight with S Korea a few years back; New Zealand has gotten criticism as a weak link; American businesses like Disney and the NBA have been craven before China. All of us democracies are going to have to start unwinding our economies from nasty dictatorships to avoid betraying our values for corporate profits, and since China is South Korea’s biggest export market, the new Yoon government should start that now.

Here is that Japan Times essay:

The Ukraine war has a been a unique challenge to Asia’s democracies. The war is far away. It involves peoples cultural distinct from this region, and its impacts will be most directly felt in Eastern Europe. Russia’s complaints and motivations mostly concern the West, particularly the post-Cold War European settlement which much reduced Russian power there. Inevitably then, the West’s response has been the most active. It is in the firing line.

But there are Asian ramifications too, which Japan, to its credit, seems to have grasped. Despite long hesitation on the use of sanctions – despite the regular use of sanctions by its American ally – Tokyo appears to have decided that this Russian aggression needs to be punished. The Russian invasion is blatant imperialism. Were Russia to get away with absorbing a smaller neighbor as the world watched, it would send a powerful signal to China that it could do the same to Taiwan. That would be a direct security threat to Japan. And Russian tactics – the purposeful shelling of civilian areas, and the operation of death squads to murder civilians en masse – have been a moral shock. Japan’s decision to support the sanctioning of Russia looks increasingly like the right call.

By contrast, South Korea’s response has a been mixed bag. When the war started, Seoul’s response was hesitant and ambiguous, provoking a wave of international criticism which the government neither seemed to understand, nor know how to respond to. The first response of South Korean President Moon Jae-In’s administration was fear for South Korean exports to Russia. Lee Jae-Myung, the leftist candidate in the recent presidential election at the time, blamed Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky for provoking the invasion, which brought another wave of social media backlash. For days, it was not clear if Seoul would support the sanctions regime. South Korea only came around when the US threatened a trade exemption its exporters need.

Read the rest here.