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Bohyeonam Hermitage – 보현암 (Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do)

Bohyeonam Hermitage on the Haeinsa Temple Grounds in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Hermitage History

Bohyeonam Hermitage is located on the Haeinsa Temple grounds in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do. The hermitage gets its name from Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power). The hermitage, which is also scenically located in Gayasan National Park, was first founded in 1973 by nun Hyechun. Hyechun is an important figure in Korean Buddhism in the 20th century. She was born in Bukcheong, Hamgyongnam-do, North Korea in 1919. She would actively participate in the Buddhist Purification Movement (1954-62). She would also help in the creation of the Jogye-jong Order. Later, and after founding Bohyeonam Hermitage, she would serve as the chairperson of Korea’s bhikkuni (nuns). Through her efforts, they would contribute to the growth of nuns in Korea.

Hermitage Layout

Bohyeonam Hermitage is located to the southwest of Haeinsa Temple and up a bit of a winding road. You’ll find a collection of shrine halls and buildings in this area. To the far left, you’ll find Geumgang-gul; and to the right, you’ll find the collection of buildings that comprise Bohyeonam Hermitage.

Because Bohyeonam Hermitage is such an active hermitage, you’ll find two large buildings to your far right as you first approach. These are a large collection of nuns’ dorms. Beyond these, and a little further to the left, you’ll see a beautiful Koi pond in the centre of the main hermitage courtyard. Fronting this Koi pond is a slender five-story pagoda. To the right of this pagoda is a boulder-like bridge that spans the width of the pond. It’s also from in front of the Koi pond that you gain beautiful views of Haeinsa Temple and its neighbouring hermitages off in the distance.

To the rear of this Koi pond is another collection of nuns’ dorms, and to the left is the administrative office and kitchen at Bohyeonam Hermitage. Hidden behind the central nuns’ dorms is the main hall at the hermitage. This isn’t a first for hermitages at Haeinsa Temple because there are others like Yaksuam Hermitage and Gukilam Hermitage that also hide their main halls quite well.

To the left, and between the central nuns’ dorms and the kitchen facilities at Bohyeonam Hermitage, you’ll find a pathway, and eventual stone stairs, that lead up to the hermitage’s main hall, the Daeung-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to the compact Daeung-jeon Hall are adorned with fading Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals). Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a main altar occupied by a central image dedicated to Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). On either side of this central image are a pair of statues. The image to the right is dedicated to Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom), who rides a blue haetae; while the statue to the left is Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power), who rides a white elephant. Hanging on the far right wall is an older Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). And if you look up at the ceiling of the structure, and at the ends of the beams in particular, you’ll find some beautiful and colourful Gwimyeon (Monster Masks).

How To Get There

To get to Bohyeonam Hermitage, you’ll first need to get to Haeinsa Temple. From the Hapcheon Intercity Bus Terminal, you’ll need to board a bus bound for Haeinsa Temple. The bus ride is about 5,000 won. From where the bus lets you off at Haeinsa Temple, you’ll need to find the trail that leads up to Haeinsa Temple. The walk is about one kilometre, and the trail starts to the left of the Haeinsa Temple museum. Arriving at Haeinsa Temple, and standing next to the Iljumun Gate, you’ll need to head south of this entry gate for 550 metres. Follow the signs as they guide you. The walk should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Overall Rating: 2.5/10

Bohyeonam Hermitage is one of the busier hermitages that you’ll visit on the Haeinsa Temple grounds. As a result, there are just a couple things that visitors can explore like the beautiful Koi pond and five-story pagoda at the front of the hermitage grounds, as well as the Daeung-jeon Hall to the rear of the grounds. As for the main hall, it’s the paintings, both inside and out, that are the main highlight to the hermitage’s Daeung-jeon Hall. Additionally, the nuns at Bohyeonam Hermitage are especially nice and kind. We were invited in for a nice hermitage lunch while we were at Bohyeonam Hermitage.

Making your way up to the hermitage.
One of the nuns’ dorms at Bohyeonam Hermitage.
Some of the artwork adorning one of the nuns’ dorms.
A look across the Koi pond at the five-story pagoda at Bohyeonam Hermitage.
Some of the beautiful lotus flowers inside the Koi pond.
A look up at the Daeung-jeon Hall.
And a look across the top of the main hall at some of its beautiful dancheong colours.
One of the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals) that adorns the exterior of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The central image of Dongjin-bosal (The Bodhisattva that Protects the Buddha’s Teachings) inside the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
Joined by this image of Yongwang (The Dragon King).
A look up at the ceiling inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The beautiful view from the Daeung-jeon Hall.
And one last look at the five-story pagoda and Koi pond at Bohyeonam Hermitage.

How Expensive is Living in Korea? | Extra Costs to Consider

How much do you think it costs to live in Korea for a month? What would be the bare minimum, and what would be enough to live comfortably? I asked Koreans in Seoul what they thought, and also their reasoning. I also asked what other expenses could there be that people often overlook.

The post How Expensive is Living in Korea? | Extra Costs to Consider appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

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Dorisa Temple – 도리사 (Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do)

The “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple” in Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Temple History

Dorisa Temple is located on Mt. Naengsan (694 m) in northern Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The exact date of the temple’s first founding is unknown, however, it’s believed to date back to the fifth century. Additionally, it’s said that Dorisa Temple was the first of its kind in the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.). The earliest documentation of the founding of Dorisa Temple is found in the “Shinjeungdongguk Yeoji,” which was compiled in 1530. In this text, it states how the monk Ado-hwasang, who looked similar to King Nulji of Silla (r. 417-458 A.D.), built a temple after seeing that the area was in full bloom even though it was the dead of winter. More specifically, the legend states that the monk Ado-hwasang, who was a Goguryeo (37 B.C. – 668 A.D.) monk, was leaving Seorabeol (modern Gyeongju) to help spread Buddhism. While on this journey, Ado-hwasang saw a place blooming with pear and peach blossoms in the dead of winter. As a result of this auspicious sign, Ado-hwasang decided to build a temple on this site that he named Dorisa Temple, which means “Peach and Pear Temple” in English.

Dorisa Temple continued to exist as a temple through the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), until it was eventually destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-98). Later, the temple would be rebuilt with the addition of a monument for the monk Ado-hwasang in 1639. In 1645, a wooden Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) statue was enshrined at the temple. However, in 1677, a large fire broke out at the temple destroying all of the buildings including the Daeung-jeon Hall. All that was saved was the neighbouring Geumdangam Hermitage and the Amita-bul statue.

After its destruction, the temple was rebuilt on the hermitage grounds. So the hermitage changed its name from Geumdangam Hermitage to that of Dorisa Temple. In the process, the statue of Amita-bul was moved, as well. In 1743, the Jeokmyeol-bogung area was built to house the sari (crystalized remains) of the Buddha and the “Gilt-bronze Reliquary from Sakyamuni Stupa of Dorisa Temple” that they were housed in. In 1807, parts of the temple were reconstructed; and in 1823, the Josa-jeon Hall was rebuilt. Finally, and in 1876, the present Geukrak-jeon Hall was built. More recently, Dorisa Temple continues to grow in size.

Dorisa Temple is the source of one National Treasure and one Korean Treasure. The National Treasure, which is National Treasure #208, is the aforementioned “Gilt-bronze Reliquary from Sakyamuni Stupa of Dorisa Temple,” which is now housed at the Jikjisa Temple Seongbo Museum. As for the Korean Treasure, it’s the distinctive “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple,” which is Korean Treasure #470.

Temple Layout

As you near the temple parking lot to your left, you’ll notice the large Temple Stay building and administrative office to the right. Back at the temple parking lot, and heading to the left, you’ll pass by a stone “Haein-do” monument, as well as the Jong-ru Pavilion.

Continuing past the elevated bell pavilion, you’ll notice an equally elevated shrine hall to your left. This is the reconstructed Jeokmyeol-bogung (shrines that house the sari, crystalized remains, of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul). At the base of the stairs that lead up to the shrine hall, you’ll find a child-like stone monk smiling at you. Climbing the stairs, you’ll find the Jeokmyeol-bogung. The exterior walls to this shrine hall are adorned with paintings dedicated to Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom), Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power), and a set of Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life). Stepping inside the Jeokmyeol-bogung, you’ll notice that there are no statues on the main altar similar to the Daeung-jeon Hall at Tongdosa Temple. Instead, there is simply a window that looks out onto the outdoor shrine that contains the Buddha’s remains. In the centre of this outdoor shrine is an elevated stupa with images of the Four Heavenly Kings, as well as locked doors, engraved on it. This is where the sari are housed. To the left and right of this elevated platform with the Buddha’s stupa are two reliefs. One is dedicated to Munsu-bosal, while the other is dedicated to Bohyeon-bosal. And to the right and left of these reliefs are two stone lanterns with the outline of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) on the main light chamber for the stone lanterns.

To the east of the Jeokmyeol-bogung, and down a trail, you’ll find an outdoor shrine dedicated to the monk Ado-hwasang. The outdoor shrine consists of a large, bronze statue dedicated to Ado-hwasang. While the statue meditatively looks out on Dorisa Temple, there are a pair of colourful lotus flower pictures on either side of his head to the rear.

Descending the stairs that lead up to the Ado-hwasang shrine, and to the rear of the temple’s administrative office, you’ll find the main temple courtyard at Dorisa Temple. The first building you’ll pass by in this area are the monks’ dorms. Once you’re past this, you’ll notice a bronze statue of Podae-hwasang (The Hempen Bag) to your right and the compact Geukrak-jeon Hall to your left.

The exterior walls to the Geukrak-jeon Hall are adorned with a combination of dancheong colours and guardian murals. Stepping inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall, you’ll find a solitary image dedicated to Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) on the main altar underneath a diminutive, red canopy overhead. To the left of the main altar is a modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). And to the right of the main altar is a mural dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). The entire interior is filled with rich and colourful decorative dancheong paintings.

In front of the Geukrak-jeon Hall, you’ll find the oddly designed “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple,” which is the solitary Korean Treasure at Dorisa Temple. This pagoda consists of five stories. The bottom story is considered the platform to the structure, which supports the main body of the pagoda. There are two middle stories. The first and second stories of the pagoda were built by piling up two to three layers of small square stones just like the pagoda was built with bricks. The roof stones consist of a tiered structure. This pagoda was built using a unique style, especially when one compares it to other stone pagodas in Korea. The pagoda stands 3.3 metres in height, and it’s believed that this pagoda was first erected during the Goryeo Dynasty.

To the rear of the Geukrak-jeon Hall, on the other hand, is a rear courtyard that houses a stone stupa, as well as the Samseong-gak Hall to the right. The exterior walls to this shaman shrine hall are adorned in simple dancheong colours, which matches the three paintings housed inside the Samseong-gak Hall. The three paintings housed inside this hall are dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint), Chilseong (The Seven Stars), and Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit).

How To Get There

From the Gumi Bus Terminal, there are buses that go out to Dorisa Temple; however, these buses would take at least a couple of hours to get to the temple. So if you don’t own your own car, the next best way is to take a taxi. The taxi ride will take about 25 minutes over 20 km. And the taxi ride should cost about 20,000 won (one way). If you’re traveling in a group, this is definitely the best option.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Dorisa Temple is distinctive for purportedly being the oldest temple in the former Silla territory, as well as for housing one of the more peculiar historic pagodas that you’ll find in Korea. Additionally, it has a modern Jeokmyeol-bogung that purportedly house the sari (crystalized remains) of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul, from the Silla Dynasty. The views are stunning, as is the interior of the Geukrak-jeon Hall. Dorisa Temple was definitely a nice surprise.

The Jong-ru Pavilion at Dorisa Temple.
A look up towards the Jeokmyeol-bogung.
The outdoor shrine of the Jeokmyeol-bogung.
A closer look at the stupa that houses the sari (crystalized remains) of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha).
The beautiful view from the Jeokmyeol-bogung.
The path that leads from the Jeokmyeol-bogung to the bronze statue of Ado-hwasang.
The beautiful bronze statue dedicated to Ado-hwasang at Dorisa Temple.
The Geukrak-jeon Hall and the “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple.”
The bronze statue dedicated to Podae-hwasang in the main temple courtyard.
The monks’ dorms at Dorisa Temple.
Both the “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple” and the main hall together.
A closer look at the “Stone Pagoda of Dorisa Temple.”
One of the guardians that adorns the exterior of the Geukrak-jeon Hall.
The interior of the Geukrak-jeon Hall.
A stupa and Samseong-gak Hall at Dorisa Temple.
One of the paintings inside the Samseong-gak Hall. This painting is dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit).
One final view from Dorisa Temple.

거니와 "Not only" | Live Class Abridged

This form was requested by a member, and is not that commonly used. It's an archaic spoken grammar form known as ~거니와, although it also has other forms like ~(으)려니와, ~(이)려니와, and ~(이)거니와. Here's the full explanation of this form, along with some related forms.

The post 거니와 "Not only" | Live Class Abridged appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Seoknamsa Temple – 석남사 (Anseong, Gyeonggi-do)

A Monk Making His Way Up to the Daeung-jeon Hall at Seoknamsa Temple in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do.

Temple History

Seoknamsa Temple in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, not to be confused with the one in Ulsan with the same name, is located to the north of Mt. Seounsan (547.6 m). The temple was first founded in 680 A.D. by the monk Goseung Seokseon. It was later rebuilt by the monk Hyegeo in the early part of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). During the Goryeo Dynasty, hundreds of monks called Seoknamsa Temple home. During the early part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Seoknamsa Temple remained intact despite the Confucian-oriented government policies of the Joseon court. While many other temples either fell into disrepair or were completely destroyed by this policy, Seoknamsa Temple remained representing the city of Anseong. Additionally, monks at Seoknamsa Temple were exempt from service as decreed by King Sejo of Joseon (r. 1455-1468). The temple would be completely destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-98) in 1592. After its destruction during the Joseon Dynasty, it would be rebuilt, once more, this time by the monk Hwadeok.

In total, Seoknamsa Temple is home to one Korean Treasure. It’s the “Yeongsan-jeon Hall of Seongnamsa Temple, Anseong,” which is Korean Treasure #823.

Temple Layout

Seoknamsa Temple is much smaller than it must have formerly been. And from the temple parking lot, you can instantly see that this is true. However, with that being said, Seoknamsa Temple, in its current form, is still a beautiful place for visitors to enjoy. Starting at the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion, you’ll pass through the first story of the two story structure. While passing through the first story, you’ll notice four diminutive statues. These rather stout wooden statues are the Four Heavenly Kings. While the first story acts as both an entry to the rest of the temple grounds, as well as a Cheonwangmun Gate, the second story acts as a hall for dharma talks. The exterior walls to the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion are beautifully adorned in simplistic dancheong colours.

Now having emerged on the other side of the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion, and after having a look back at the second story of the two-story structure, you’ll notice a long, linear set of stone stairs that lead all the way up to the Daeung-jeon Hall. But before climbing all of those stairs, you’ll notice the Dong Yosachae (East Monks’ Dorms) to your right and the administrative office and kitchen to your left.

Making your way past these two large buildings, and still climbing the long stone stairs, you’ll come to a plateau. To your right you’ll see the historic Yeongsan-jeon Hall. Out in front of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall is “The Double Pagoda of Seoknamsa Temple.” These pagodas are believed to have first been made during the Goryeo Dynasty. The pagoda to the left stands 2.25 metres in height, while the pagoda to the right stands 2.32 metres. Both are rather slender and simplistic in their overall designs. In total, both pagodas are three-story structures.

As for the Yeongsan-jeon Hall that stands behind these two Goryeo-era pagodas, it’s believed that the structure was first built in the early to mid Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In fact, there’s a sign out in front of the shrine hall that indicates that it was first built in 1562 and rebuilt several times afterwards. The exterior walls are adorned with various murals depicting the Buddha teaching his disciples. Stepping inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall, you’ll find that there is a solitary statue of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) on the main altar under a chunky, red canopy. This central image is then joined on all sides by 500 statuettes of the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha).

To the right of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall is a modern three-story pagoda with a sutra written around its elongated body below the three body stones. This pagoda is backed by a shrine with a stone image of Seokgamoni-bul.

Back at the stairs, and now heading up towards the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find that the main hall is surrounded by large Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals). The front of the Daeung-jeon Hall is occupied by two modern seokdeung (stone lanterns). Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a large statue of Seokgamoni-bul on the main altar. On either side of this central image are two seated statues of Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power) and Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom). To the right of this main altar triad are a collection of paintings. The first painting is dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars), another is dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), while the final one is dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). To the left of the main altar, you’ll find an altar with sixteen golden statues dedicated to the Nahan. And hanging on the far left wall is a modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). After exiting the Daeung-jeon Hall, and looking out from the main hall, you get a beautiful view of the mountains off in the distance.

How To Get There

The easiest way to get to Seoknamsa Temple from the Anseong Bus Terminal is to take a taxi. The taxi ride will take 25 minutes, and it’ll cost you 24,000 won (one way).

You can do that or take two buses to get to Seoknamsa Temple from the Anseong Bus Terminal. If you do decide to take two buses, you’ll first need to catch Bus #8146-1 for 4 stops, or 5 minutes, and get off at the “Sinminhoegwan hacha – 신민회관” bus stop. From where this bus drops you off, you’ll need to cross the road and board Bus #100. With Bus #100, you’ll need to stay on the bus for the next 13 stops, or 16 minutes, and get off at the “Sangjung-ri Sangchon hacha – 상중리상촌 하차.” From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to head south for the next 1.5 km, or 30 minutes, until you get to Seoknamsa Temple. Just follow the signs along the way. In total, the bus trip and walk should take about an hour.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Seoknamsa Temple is beautifully located in the foothills of Mt. Seounsan. In addition to all of the natural beauty that surrounds this temple, you can also enjoy the two-story Geumgwang-ru Pavilion with a cute-looking collection of the Four Heavenly Kings. In addition to this two-in-one entry gate, you can also enjoy all 500 statuettes of the Nahan inside the historic Yeongsan-jeon Hall. And topping it off, quite literally, is the Daeung-jeon Hall with its beautiful views.

The two-story Geumgwang-ru Pavilion.
One of the Four Heavenly Kings on the first floor of the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion.
Joined by another on the first floor.
A look up to the temple shrine halls from the Geumgwang-ru Pavilion.
The “The Double Pagoda of Seoknamsa Temple” in front of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
The historic Yeongsan-jeon Hall at Seoknamsa Temple.
One of the beautiful paintings of the Buddha, Seokgamoni-bul, that adorns the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
The main altar inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
Some of the 500 statuettes of the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha) inside the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
An up-close at some of the Nahan.
With a look at a few more.
The modern three-story pagoda to the right of the Yeongsan-jeon Hall.
A look up at the Daeung-jeon Hall.
A dragon and landscape painting that adorns the left exterior wall of the main hall.
As well as this Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Mural).
The view from the Daeung-jeon Hall.

Nam-gu Office Offers Foreign Language Mobile News Service for Foreigners

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From: https://www.busan.go.kr/eng/bsnews01/1606966

Busan Namgu News
English Version
中文 Version
Tiếng Việt 
Add a friend through Kakao Talk

 

As Korea’s multicultural population continues to grow, Nam-gu will begin issuing a foreign language mobile news service for foreign residents in the district.

The foreign language news service, called “BUSAN NAMGU NEWS”, will be available online and on mobile platforms in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The target audience includes foreign workers, overseas students, married immigrants, and tourists living in Nam-gu. “BUSAN NAMGU NEWS” plans to present helpful information for foreigners, including Nam-gu’s major policies, local news, educational projects, events, and exchange projects with relevant countries. The first issue is scheduled to be released on January 20, 2024.

 

To subscribe, browse the “Busan Nam-gu Newspaper e-book bulletin board” on the Nam-gu Office website (www.bsnamgu.go.kr) or use the “Add friend” feature on the KakaoTalk Plus Friends using a QR code (photo) to add “Busan Namgu News”.

 

Nations in which foreigners account for over 5% of the population are categorized as multicultural. Korea is expected to reach this threshold in 2024. As of late September 2023, 2.514 million short- and/or long-term foreign residents accounted for 4.89% of the nation’s population. Of those, 6349 live in Nam-gu as of October 2023, marking the area as home to the greatest number of registered foreigners in Busan.

 

Nam-gu Office website: https://www.bsnamgu.go.kr/board/view.namgu?boardId=BBS_0000001&menuCd=DOM_000000105001001000&startPage=1&dataSid=641824

☎(051)607-4071

Korean Learners Are OVERUSING These Words

Despite our best efforts, it can be hard to not sound like a "foreigner" when speaking in Korean - no matter how good someone's Korean level is. While it's certainly possible to learn pronunciation and intonation to sound "just like a native speaker," there are still some words and phrases that I commonly hear that are used more often, or overused by Korean learners. We covered some of the words we feel are overused by learners, and how to sound just that much more like a native speaker.

The post Korean Learners Are OVERUSING These Words appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Cheongnyongsa Temple – 청룡사 (Anseong, Gyeonggi-do)

Cheongnyongsa Temple in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do.

Temple History

Cheongnyongsa Temple is located in the southern part of Anseong, Gyeonggi-do in the southwestern foothills of Mt. Seounsan (547.6 m). The temple is presumed to have first been built in 1265 by the monk Zhongfeng Mingben (1263-1323), who was a monk from Yuan China (1271–1368). Originally, the temple was known as Daejangam Hermitage. In 1364, the famed monk Naong (1320-1376) expanded the temple and changed its name to Cheongnyongsa Temple, which means “Blue Dragon Temple” in English. He named the temple as such because he saw a blue dragon descending from the sky from auspicious clouds.

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the temple was completely destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (1592-98) in 1597. The buildings currently at Cheongnyongsa Temple were all built after the Imjin War. At the temple’s entrance, there’s a monument that records the history of the temple. This monument was erected in 1720. According to the inscription on this monument, King Sejo of Joseon (r. 1455-1468) bestowed land to the temple. Additionally, Grand Prince Inpyeong (1622-1658) selected this temple as a place of prayer.

In total, Cheongnyongsa Temple is home to five Korean Treasures, a Tangible Cultural Heritage, and a Cultural Properties Materials.

Temple Layout

You first make your way up to Cheongnyongsa Temple next to the Cheongnyong Reservoir and the stream that feeds into it. Eventually, you’ll come to the temple parking lot. You’ll cross over a bridge to gain access to the temple grounds. But before crossing the bridge, you’ll notice three monuments. One of these monuments is the monument that details the temple’s history. This is joined by a contemplative bronze statue of Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha) on one of these three monuments.

Having finally crossed over the bridge, you’ll come face-to-face with the Sacheonwangmun Gate. Rather interestingly, there are no statues or paintings of the Four Heavenly Kings inside this entry gate; instead, the doorway beautifully frames the main temple courtyard at Cheongnyongsa Temple.

To your immediate left, once you enter the main temple courtyard, you’ll find the Jong-gak Pavilion. Housed inside this bell pavilion is a large bronze bell with Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities) adorning it. Next to the Jong-gak Pavilion are the monks’ dorms. And directly across the courtyard is the administrative office at Cheongnyongsa Temple.

Bookended by these two buildings is the historic Daeung-jeon Hall. Out in front of the Daeung-jeon Hall is the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Cheongnyongsa Temple,” which is one of the Korean Treasures at Cheongnyongsa Temple. The granite pagoda is comprised of three-body stones and a single-layer stylobate. In total, the pagoda stands 2.38 metres in height. The stone pagoda is damaged throughout its body. Overall, the pagoda reflects the style of the late Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392).

Backing this pagoda is the beautiful Daeung-jeon Hall. The Daeung-jeon Hall is Korean Treasure #824, and it was built in the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The exterior walls to the Daeung-jeon Hall are adorned with detailed images from the Shimu-do (The Ox-Herding Murals). And rather interestingly, if you look at the beams of the main hall, you’ll find that they bend and twist from the original shape of the trees that comprise the Daeung-jeon Hall. As for the bracket structure that supports the roof of the main hall, it has different designs at the front and back of the building. The reason for this is that the Daeung-jeon Hall was repaired several times over many different years.

Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find the distinctly designed “Clay Sakyamuni Buddha Triad of Cheongnyongsa Temple” on the main altar. This triad is Korean Treasure #1789. It’s believed that this clay triad was made during the early 17th century, when the production of large clay Buddha statues was prevalent. More specifically, and according to a letter of invocation found inside the main statue, Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha), this sculpture was first produced in 1603 led by the monk Gwangwon and his team of Buddhist monk artisans. In total, there are six others that helped create this statue including a Yi Geum-jeong, who was not, in fact, a monk. Joining the central image of Seokgamoni-bul are two standing images dedicated to Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) and Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power). All three in the triad are distinct in appearance.

Joining this triad inside the Daeung-jeon Hall are a collection of paintings that include a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural), a mural dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars), as well as an older painting dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). And if you look up and around the ceiling and eaves of the structure, you’ll find additional older paintings dedicated to the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha), as well as a Dragon Ship of Wisdom painting.

Also found inside the historic Daeung-jeon Hall is the “Bronze Bell Cast by Buddhist Monk Sain – Cheongnyongsa Temple.” This bronze bell is Korean Treasure #11-4, and it was first made in 1674 by the monk Sain (as the official name of the bell kind of hints at). The monk Sain, who was a monk-artisan, was active in the Gyeonggi-do and Gyeongsang-do regions during the reign of King Sukjong of Joseon (r. 1674-1720). As a prominent Buddhist monk and artisan, Sain was known to produce unique bells using traditional bell casting methods from the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.). In total, eight of his works have survived including this one at Cheongnyongsa Temple.

To the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a pair of temple shrine halls. The first, and the smaller of the two, is the Sanshin-gak Hall. Plainly painted in simplistic dancheong colours, a beautiful painting dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) is housed inside this shaman shrine hall. And to the right of the Sanshin-gak Hall is the Myeongbu-jeon Hall. Housed inside this shrine hall is a green haired statue of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) on the main altar. On either side, this central image is joined by ten seated statues of the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld).

The final shrine hall that visitors can explore, and is quite well hidden, is the Gwaneum-jeon Hall which is situated up a pathway next to the Jong-ru Pavilion. Much like the triad inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, the statue of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) is highly stylized, as well.

As for the two other Korean Treasures at Cheongnyongsa Temple, it’s unclear where they are housed at the temple. They are the “Hanging Painting of Cheongnyongsa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly),” which is Korean Treasure #1257; and the “Buddhist Painting of Cheongnyongsa Temple (The King of Sweet Dew),” which is Korean Treasure #1302.

How To Get There

From the Anseong Intercity Bus Terminal, you’ll need to take Bus #20 to get to Cheongnyongsa Temple. The bus ride should take about 42 minutes with 32 stops. You’ll then need to get off at the “Cheongnyongsa hacha – 청룡사 하차” stop. From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to head north for 4 minutes up the road, or 230 metres, to get to Cheongnyongsa Temple.

Or you can simply take a taxi from the Anseong Intercity Bus Terminal. It should take about 20 minutes over 17 km, and it’ll cost you about 20,000 won (one way).

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

The main highlight to Cheongnyongsa Temple are all the Korean Treasures that are housed at this lesser known temple. Of particular interest is the Daeung-jeon Hall. Both inside and out, the main hall is stunning, especially the main altar triad and bronze bell that are housed inside this historic shrine hall. Another thing to keep in mind is the well-hidden Gwaneum-jeon Hall that houses the uniquely designed statue of Gwanseeum-bosal. And perhaps if you’re luckier than I was, you’ll be able to see the two hidden Korean Treasure paintings at Cheongnyongsa Temple, as well.

The monuments outside the temple grounds.
The bronze statue of a contemplative Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha) that sits atop one of the monuments.
The Sacheonwangmun Gate.
A look through the Sacheonwangmun Gate at the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The Jong-ru Pavilion at Cheongnyongsa Temple.
The historic Daeung-jeon Hall.
The “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Cheongnyongsa Temple” in front of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
One of the Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals) that adorns the exterior walls of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
A painting of the Bodhidharma up in the eaves of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The “Clay Sakyamuni Buddha Triad of Cheongnyongsa Temple” inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
A mural of the Dragon Ship of Wisdom inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The modern Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) inside the main hall.
As well as this painting of Dokseong (The Lonely Saint).
The Sanshin-gak Hall (left) and the Myeongbu-jeon Hall (right).
The painting of the Mountain Spirit inside the Sanshin-gak Hall.
And the interior of the Myeongbu-jeon Hall with a central green haired image of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) joined by the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld).

마찬가지 | Live Class Abridged

Most recently in my live stream class I covered the grammar form 마찬가지, which is an intermediate level topic that means "same" or "similar." This form can be used with both verbs and nouns, and the main form it uses is ~(으)나 마찬가지 + 이다, with some variations.

The post 마찬가지 | Live Class Abridged appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

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