Temple History

Sudasa Temple is located in northwestern Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do in the southern foothills of Mt. Giyangsan (704.7 m). It’s believed that the temple was first founded by the monk Jingam-guksa (774-850 A.D.), during the reign of King Munseong of Silla (839-857 A.D.), after he saw a white lotus flowering on Mibong Peak. As a result, the temple was originally called Yeonhwasa Temple, which means “Lotus Flower Temple” in English.

Eventually, the temple would be destroyed by fire in 976 A.D. only to be rebuilt in 1185 by the monk Gakwon-daesa. In 1273, the temple was destroyed, once more, but this time by floods. And in 1572, the temple was rebuilt by Seosan-daesa (1520-1604) and Samyeong-daesa (1544-1610) and was renamed Sudasa Temple at this time. When the Imjin War (1592-98) broke out, more than 10,000 soldiers gathered at the temple. A fire broke out in 1704 that would destroy almost all of the buildings at the temple. The only shrine hall that survived was the Myeongbu-jeon Hall. Currently, there are a handful of temple shrine halls at Sudasa Temple.

In total, Sudasa Temple is home to one Korean Treasure, which is the “Buddhist Painting of Sudasa Temple, Gumi (The Vulture Peak Assembly),” which is Korean Treasure #1638. In addition, Sudasa Temple is home to three additional provincial treasures. They are the “Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha of Sudasa Temple, Gumi,” which is Gyeongsangbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage #334; the Myeongbu-jeon Hall of Sudasa Temple, which is Gyeongsangbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage #139; and the “Bronze Bell with Inscription of ‘the 37th Geollyung Year,'” which is Gyeongsangbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage #435.

Temple Layout

When first approaching the temple grounds, and after passing the simplistic Iljumun Gate, you’ll arrive at the temple parking lot. At the edge of the temple parking lot, you’ll find one of the largest and most jovial stone Podae-hwasang (Hempen Bag) statues in Korea. It’s past this stone greeting, and up a set of stairs, that you’ll enter the main temple courtyard at Sudasa Temple.

One of the first buildings to greet you at Sudasa Temple is the temple’s Myeongbu-jeon Hall, which is also the oldest shrine hall at the temple. The exterior walls are adorned with various Buddhist murals including a Dragon Ship of Wisdom, as well as depictions of the Underworld. Stepping inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall, you’ll find a green-haired statue of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) on an elevated pedestal. This image is then joined on either side by large, seated wooden statues of the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld). And if you look upwards, you’ll find some beautiful, wooden dragons up in the rafters. The Myeongbu-jeon Hall underwent general repairs in the mid-to-late 18th century.

To the left of the Myeongbu-jeon Hall is the Daeung-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to the main hall are adorned with vibrant Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals). Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a triad of statues centred by Amita-bul (The Historical Buddha), who is joined on either side by Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) and Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power). This statue of Amita-bul is the “Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha of Sudasa Temple, Gumi,” which is Gyeongsangbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage #334. The statue dates back to 1649, and it was originally part of a triad. One of these statues, the image of Daesaeji-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Power for Amita-bul), is currently enshrined inside the Wontong-jeon Hall at Wongaksa Temple also in Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do. As for the statue of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion), it’s believed to have been moved to another hermitage; however, its current location is unknown. The image of Amita-bul is carved from wood, covered in lacquer, and it’s been gilded.

Backing the “Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha of Sudasa Temple, Gumi” is the “Buddhist Painting of Sudasa Temple, Gumi (The Vulture Peak Assembly).” This is Korean Treasure #1638, and it dates back to 1731, when it was first created by the monk-artist Doik and three other monks. The painting represents Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) surrounded by eight Bodhisattvas, Jeseok-bul (Indra), Beomcheon-bul (Brahma), ten Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha), the Four Heavenly Kings, and several of the Palbushin-jang (Eight Legions). All are posing in veneration of the central image of Seokgamoni-bul.

Between the Daeung-jeon Hall and the Myeongbu-jeon Hall, and up a trail through a bamboo grove, is the temple’s Sanshin-gak Hall. Housed all alone inside this shaman shrine hall is a painting dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). Sanshin is dressed all in red, and he’s joined by a large dongja (attendant), who appears to be carrying tea to the Mountain Spirit.

As for the Samseong-gak Hall, you’ll find it past the Daeung-jeon Hall and the Yosachae (monks dorms’). It’s over a bridge and up a set of stairs, that you’ll find this shaman shrine hall. The three shaman murals are more modern-looking than the mural of Sanshin found all alone in the Sanshin-gak Hall. This Sanshin, alongside Dokseong (The Lonely Saint) and Chilseong (The Seven Stars), sits in front of a peach tree and underneath a twisted red pine.

How To Get There

The easiest way to get to Sudasa Temple is from the Gumi Train Station. From this train station, you’ll need to take a taxi to get to Sudasa Temple. The drive should take about 35 minutes, and it’ll cost you around 30,000 won (one way).

Overall Rating: 6/10

Both Sanshin paintings at Sudasa Temple are stunning, and they nicely contrast in style. Not only is it rare to have two Sanshin paintings at a temple, it’s even rarer to have them differ in style. In addition to this shaman artwork, you can also enjoy the “Buddhist Painting of Sudasa Temple, Gumi (The Vulture Peak Assembly),” as well as the “Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha of Sudasa Temple, Gumi.” Both of which are housed inside the Daeung-jeon Hall. While a bit out of the way, the natural surroundings only add to the overall feeling of the temple.