Temple History

Gayasa Temple is located in Busanjin-gu, Busan along the northern portion of Mt. Palgeumsan (236 m). In fact, the temple is located near downtown central Seomyeon; and with the right angle, you can get some great views of Seomyeon off in the distance.

Gayasa Temple is a branch temple of Beomeosa Temple, and it belongs to the Jogye-jong Order, which is the largest Buddhist Order in Korea. The temple doesn’t have the longest of histories, especially when you compare it to a temple like Beomeosa Temple, which was first founded in 678 A.D. However, Gayasa Temple is over one hundred years of age.

Temple Layout

You first approach Gayasa Temple down some backstreets and up a slight incline in the mountain. The first thing to greet you at the temple is a leaf covered Iljumun Gate. Next, you’ll climb a set of stairs that are lined with beautiful, mature trees.

Finally, and after climbing the set of uneven stone and cement stairs, you’ll come to the main temple grounds. The second, and probably the original, Iljumun Gate will welcome you to the temple courtyard. With its slender pillars and fading manja (swastika) adorning the centre crossbeam, this Iljumun Gate gives you a glimpse into the temple’s past.

To the right of this Iljumun Gate is the temple’s main hall and pagoda. The five-story stone pagoda looks newly built. As for the Daeung-jeon Hall, the exterior walls are adorned with a beautiful set of Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals). As for the interior, and stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a triad of statues resting on the main altar. Seated in the centre is a statue of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha), who is joined on either side by Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) and Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power). To the right of the main altar is an elaborate statue and mural dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion). And to the left of the main altar, you’ll find a golden-capped statue of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). Rounding out the artwork in the main hall is a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) that hangs on the far left wall.

To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall and the five-story pagoda are commemorative tablets. There is also a beautiful artificial pond in this area, as well. The large stone image of Gwanseeum-bosal rests behind the pond with her left foot raised. Praying in the middle of the pond is a stone image of a dongja (attendant).

Behind the pond, and up a set of stairs, are a pair of shaman shrine halls. The first of the two is the Chilseong-gak Hall. Have a look at the shrine hall’s signboard above the entry of the shaman shrine hall. It’s stunning. As you step inside this shaman shrine hall, you’ll see a triad of statues resting on the main altar with an elaborate Chilseong mural backing these three statues. And painted on the wall is another incarnation of Chilseong (a rarity at a Korean temple).

The second shaman shrine hall in this area is the Sanshin/Dokseong-gak Hall. Again, this shaman shrine hall has a beautiful signboard hanging above its entryway. Stepping inside, you’ll see a pair of rather traditional modern images dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) and Dokseong (The Lonely Saint).

How To Get There

To get to Gayasa Temple, you’ll first need to get to Gaya Subway Station, stop #221 on the second line. After arriving, go out exit #3. Head to your right and take the first major road that heads south. From here, you’ll need to cross the major road. Continue to head south towards the mountain. Eventually, you should be able to see the signs that guide you the rest of the way to Gayasa Temple. In total, from the subway, the walk should take you about seven minutes, or five hundred metres.

Overall Rating: 6/10

While not the largest or most spectacular of temples, Gayasa Temple definitely has a set of beautiful highlights that include the older Iljumun Gate, the temple pond, the statue of Gwanseeum-bosal near this artificial pond, and the pair of signboards above the shaman shrine hall.