Temple History

Seokjongsa Temple is located in the southeastern part of Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do in the southern foothills of Mt. Namsan (635.5 m). Originally the land that Seokjongsa Temple now occupies was Jukjangsa Temple. Jukjangsa Temple was first established sometime between Unified Silla (668-935) to early Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Until the end of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Jukjangsa Temple was a popular temple. At the end of the Joseon Dynasty, and already with centuries of anti-Buddhist policies in place by successive Joseon governments and courts, the status of the temple (like all temples in Korea) had been severely weakened. So Reverend Jo Gyeongro of Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do arrived at the temple during late-Joseon and destroyed the temple completely. Parts of Jukjangsa Temple were then used to help construct other structures throughout the Chungju area. Additionally, and during Japanese Colonial Rule (1910-45), Japanese authorities further raided the artifacts that still remained on the temple grounds. All that was left of the former temple, besides rubble, was a single five-story stone pagoda. And the land that Jukjangsa Temple formerly occupied became private property.

In 1985, the monk Geuma-hyeguk purchased 800 pyeong (2,645 m2) of land that had once been Jukjangsa Temple. The purchased of this land was the start of Seokjongsa Temple’s founding. Now, Seokjongsa Temple is 10,000 pyeong (33,058 m2) of land. In total, there are now 21 buildings that occupy this land.

Temple Layout

You’ll pass through a stately Iljumun Gate at the entry of the temple grounds. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the temple parking lot near the Temple Stay building. There are two trails that head north towards the upper courtyard at Seokjongsa Temple. The first of these two trails is closer to the Temple Stay building, while the other is closer to the Bowol-dang Hall. Whichever trail you take, they both lead past a semi-hidden pond with lotus flowers in bloom.

Beyond this pond, and framing the lower temple grounds, is the Cheoncheok-ru Pavilion. To the left of this pavilion is a modern five-story pagoda. And to the right of this entry pavilion is the Beomjong-gak Pavilion. Housed inside this bell pavilion are four of the traditional Buddhist percussion instrument. A particular highlight inside this bell pavilion is the blue dragon-faced Mokeo (Wooden Fish Drum). Back at the Cheoncheok-ru Pavilion, and before mounting the stone stairs, you’ll notice a pair of stone lions on either side of the stairs. The first story of the Cheoncheok-ru Pavilion acts as an entry to the main temple courtyard at Seokjongsa Temple, while the second acts as a lecture hall for dharma halls.

Stepping inside the main temple courtyard at Seokjongsa Temple, you’ll find numerous buildings lining the courtyard. However, there are really only two that visitors can explore at the temple, and they are to the north. But before visiting these two shrine halls, you’ll notice the Gamno-gak Pavilion (Sweet Dew Pavilion) in the centre of the temple courtyard. This sunken wooden pavilion has fresh, clear mountain water passing through it and can be quite a refreshing break on a hot day.

Mounting another long set of stone stairs, you’ll now be face-to-face with a large Daeung-jeon Hall. The Daeung-jeon Hall was built on the site of the former location of the main hall to Jukjangsa Temple. The exterior walls to the main hall are adorned with large panel paintings dedicated to the Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha) and vibrant dancheong colours. Stepping inside the main hall, you’ll find a wonderfully ornate interior with a beautiful triad of statues on the main altar. In the centre of this triad is Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). The weight of the large canopy above this triad is supported by large pillars adorned with swirling dragons. Rounding out the interior to the Daeung-jeon Hall is a Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).

To the left rear of the Daeung-jeon Hall is the Samseong-gak Hall. The exterior walls to this hall are adorned with various murals that include a ferocious tiger, peaches, and red pine trees. Stepping inside this rather strangely organized interior, you’ll find two beautiful murals dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars) and Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). Both paintings were created by the same artist. Of note is the rather startled-looking tiger in the painting of Sanshin. The third, and final, mural inside the Samseong-gak Hall can be accessed through a doorway inside the shaman shrine hall, where you’ll find a lone mural dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). Again, this painting was created by the same artist as those who created the other two shaman murals. All three are a wonderful and masterful depictions of these three shaman deities.

Finally, and to the left of the Samseong-gak Hall and up a trail, you’ll find an outdoor shrine dedicated to Yaksayeorae-bul (The Medicine Buddha, and the Buddha of the Eastern Paradise).

How To Get There

From the Chungju Intercity Bus Terminal, you’ll need to take Bus #101, Bus #103, Bus #105, Bus 106, Bus #111, or Bus #112. You’ll need to get off at the “Samwon Elementary School stop.” From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to walk about 300 metres, or 5 minutes, and make your way to the Muhak-sijang Market and the “Muhak-sijang bus stop.” From this stop, you’ll need to catch Bus #550. This bus doesn’t come often. You’ll then need to take this second bus for 13 stops, or 17 minutes, and get off at the “Seokjong stop.” From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to walk about 700 metres, or 10 minutes, to get to Seokjongsa Temple.

And if public transportation isn’t your thing, you can simply take a taxi from the Chungju Intercity Bus Terminal. The taxi ride will be 8.1 km, or 20 minutes, and it’ll cost you about 8,000 won (one way).

Overall Rating: 7/10

While Seokjongsa Temple is quite large in size, it’s only filled with a handful of structures and shrine halls that visitors can explore. With that being said, the Gamno-gak Pavilion is a beautiful stand-out, as is the interior of the Daeung-jeon Hall and the artwork that fills the Samseong-gak Hall. Seokjongsa Temple is beautifully situated to the south of Mt. Namsan; and as a total package, it’s quite a beautiful visit.

by Jason Teale, Host of the Sajin Photography Podcast

Introduction

Hello, fellow photography enthusiasts, and welcome to another captivating post on the Sajin Photography blog. Today, I’m thrilled to delve into a topic that holds a special place in my heart – the evolution and empowerment of photography communities right here in Korea.

Setting the Scene

Over the years, these communities have undergone a remarkable transformation. What once served as vibrant hubs for insightful conversations have, to some extent, transitioned into platforms predominantly utilized for seeking answers and promoting events. In this post, we’ll explore strategies to reignite the spark of camaraderie within these communities.

Cultivating a Healthy Community

The essence of revitalizing these communities lies in nurturing a thriving ecosystem, rather than merely accumulating followers. I’ve observed a trend where new groups emerge, attempting to attract members by diverting them from existing communities. Let me share an intriguing incident – a group of photographers joined the Lightstalkers community I co-manage, but their perception shifted when they discovered we organized complimentary photowalks.

The Tale of Lightstalkers Photowalks

I extended an olive branch, proposing a collaborative effort where they could utilize Lightstalkers to plan their paid photowalks. This proposition aimed at harnessing our already-established member base. Surprisingly, their response wasn’t one of unity, but instead, they accused us of hidden agendas and departed, leaving negativity in their wake. Their intent seemed far from community-building, leaning more towards exploitation.

Spotting Self-Centered Patterns

This pattern isn’t isolated. We’ve encountered individuals within these groups who ardently voice opinions yet hesitate to take constructive action. In my personal photography group for Ulsan and Daegu, there were voices demanding more events in Daegu. However, these demands were accompanied by silence when it came to organizing such events. This disparity left Daegu members with limited opportunities, despite the vocal concern for more events.

Transitioning Towards Positivity

Let’s pivot from negativity to a positive transformation. How can we genuinely uplift these communities? It begins with a fundamental principle – assisting one another.

Contributing and Letting Go of Ego

Our tendencies often lead us to voice grievances without engaging in proactive actions. The responsibility of organization shouldn’t fall solely on one individual. This challenge becomes even more formidable considering the full-time commitments and familial responsibilities many foreigners juggle. Equally important is shedding our egos and purging toxic attitudes. Even I grapple with this – negativity can be alluring. Remember, fewer clashes of ego can only nurture the community.

The Hazard of Toxic Mindsets

Photography groups can suffer severely due to toxic attitudes and a lack of participation. The fear of criticism prevents new members or photographers from sharing their work, especially if they’ve witnessed derisive comments on others’ photos. To foster an environment of growth, we must champion one another and create a space that encourages creative expression.

Support and Encouragement as the Backbone

At the core, my emphasis rests on the bedrock of support – the very foundation upon which robust communities are constructed.

Sharing and Collaborating for Growth

Recent experiences have humbled me. Friends and colleagues have come to my aid in remarkable ways. Consider the case of my interview with Phillip Brett, who created an astonishing video showcasing my documentation of Ulsan. Phillip’s gesture of support and focus on community members actively contributing is a testament to the change we need.

The Bottomline

In closing, dear readers, I’ve shared my insights, my two cents. As we embrace the upcoming fall season, I encourage you to stay inspired. Until we reconvene, keep capturing those breathtaking moments through your lens and continue to preserve the beauty that we see everyday living here in Korea.

The post Building and Enhancing Photography Communities in Korea: A Journey of Support and Growth appeared first on The Sajin.

Pagoda History

The “Four Lion Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site” is located in the southern foothills of Mt. Malmoesan (688.6 m) and along Dongsan Valley near a river in Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. According to the inscription on the base, the pagoda was first erected in 1022 in the early part of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Additionally, the pagoda is located on the former Binsinsa-ji Temple Site. The pagoda was originally built to help prevent another invasion by the Khitan. In total, there had already been three invasions that took place in 993 A.D., 1010, and 1018-1019 during the Goryeo–Khitan War. So it’s rather obvious why Goryeo would do anything and everything to prevent another destructive incursion by the Khitan.

The “Four Lion Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site” is Korean Treasure #94; and if it could be argued that a Korean Treasure should be a National Treasure, it’s probably this pagoda.

Pagoda Design

You first approach the pagoda up a set of uneven stone stairs. The “Four Lion Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site” is located in a clearing next to country homes. This pagoda, at least a first glance, looks similar to the “Four Lion Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Hwaeomsa Temple.” However, the pagoda at Hwaeomsa Temple is significantly larger in size than this one. While Hwaeomsa Temple pagoda stands 7.1 metres in height, this pagoda is 4.5 metres in height. Another key difference is that the “Four Lion Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Hwaeomsa Temple” dates back to the seventh to mid-eighth century, while the “Four Lion Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site” dates back to 1022.

Overall, the “Four Lion Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site” consists of a base, a four-story main body supported by four lions, and a roof stone. The base of the pagoda is comprised of three distinct stones. The lowest part of the pagoda is a foundation stone. Above this is a smaller square stone with carvings of lotus flowers on it (three each on the four sides of the pagoda). And above this stone is an even smaller stone with an inscription on it. This inscription indicates when and why the pagoda was initially made.

Above these base stones is the most unique feature of the pagoda: the four lions that support the weight of the upper portion of the pagoda. The four lions are meant to represent the four human emotions of anger, joy, sorrow and love. The four lions are far more compact than the rather elongated images of the “Four Lion Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Hwaeomsa Temple.” All four at the Jecheon pagoda are well preserved. And at the centre of the pagoda, instead of a monkish-figure like at Hwaeomsa, the central image to the “Four Lion Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site” is Birojana-bul (The Buddha of Cosmic Energy). Like the lions, the image of Birojana-bul is compact and a little chubby. The statue of Birojana-bul presents the “Wisdom Fist” mudra (ritualized hand gesture). And above the image of Birojana-bul is a beautiful stone relief of a lotus flower.

A single flat square rests atop the heads of the four lions. And above this thin flat stone are four body stones. Originally, the pagoda stood nine stories in height, but the centuries have removed five of these stories. In addition, the finial to the pagoda is long gone.

How To Get There

The “Four Lion Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site” is located in one of the more remote parts of Korea. As a result, the best way to get to the pagoda is by car. But if you don’t own your own car, taxi is the next best choice over a two and a half bus ride; however, the taxi ride isn’t cheap. From the Chungju Bus Terminal, to get to the “Four Lion Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site,” it’ll cost you 40,000 won (one way) over 33 km.

Overall Rating: 4/10

The pagoda is a wonderful example of Korean Buddhist artistry in the same tradition of pagodas as those found at Hwaeomsa Temple and the “Four Lion Three-Story Stone Pagoda in Gwaeseok-ri.” While not as grand as the one found at Hwaeomsa Temple, the “Four Lion Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site” is wonderfully preserved. In addition, it has a rather surprising statue of Birojana-bul at the heart of the pagoda. The lions are fierce and the location is beautiful.