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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
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中文 Version
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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.

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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.

Are Koreans funnier? | The DOs and DONTs of Korean Humor

What sorts of humor in Korea are acceptable, and which aren't? Join me and my friend Soyeong as we talk about the kinds of humor and jokes that Koreans like making, and what kinds of jokes you shouldn't make as a Korean learner. We'll also share some things you should definitely be careful of when in Korea, such as types of humor to absolutely avoid at all costs.

The post Are Koreans funnier? | The DOs and DONTs of Korean Humor appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Beopryunsa Temple – 법륜사 (Yongin, Gyeonggi-do)

The Daeung-jeon Hall at Beopryunsa Temple in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do.

Temple History

Beopryunsa Temple is located to the east of Mt. Munsusan (403.2 m) in the southeastern part of Yongin, Gyeonggi-do. Beopryunsa Temple, which is also sometimes spelled in English as Beomryunsa Temple, was first conceived of in 1996 when Sangryun dreamed of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion). Ten years later, and in 2005, Beopryunsa Temple was first opened. In 2008, Beopryunsa Temple started to conduct the Temple Stay program at its temple. Some 11 years later, this program was selected as the best Temple Stay program in Korea in 2019.

Because the temple is so new, it only consists of one protected property. This is the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Beopryunsa Temple in Yongin,” which is Gyeonggi-do Cultural Materials #145.

Temple Layout

As you first make your way up towards the main temple courtyard, you’ll pass by a rather large Iljumun Gate. Passing by this colourful entry gate, you’ll next come to the expansive temple parking lot. On either side of a long stone set of stairs are two administrative offices at Beopryunsa Temple. It’s only after mounting these stairs that you’ll find the Beomjong-gak Pavilion. Housed inside this large bell pavilion are the four traditional Buddhist percussion instruments including a rather large Dharma Drum, which is known as a “Beopgo” in Korean.

Slightly to the left, your eyes will instantly be drawn to the large Daeung-jeon Hall at Beopryunsa Temple. In total, the main hall is some 430 square metres in size. Additionally, it’s shaped like the Chinese character 亞, which means “ah.” The hall is made from indigenous red pine trees from Mt. Baekdusan. Nearing the Daeung-jeon Hall, and at the foot of the stairs leading up to the main hall, you’ll find a stone relief of a Gwimyeon (Monster Mask) as well as intertwined lotus flowers. Overhead of the main entry to the Daeung-jeon Hall is a masterful wood relief of a yellow and blue dragon. The exterior walls are adorned with an assortment of various murals that include various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, as well as the Shimu-do (The Ox-Herding Murals). Also adorning the exterior of the main hall are stout dragonheads, bluish-green roof tiles, as well as a large golden finial atop the Daeung-jeon Hall.

But as beautiful as the exterior is to the Daeung-jeon Hall, the interior is just as beautiful, if not more so. Inside the cavernous interior of the main hall, you’ll find a large stone triad on the main altar. The central image of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) weighs an impressive 53 tons, and it’s also three times bigger than the statue inside the historic Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju. Joining this central image on either side are stone images of Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power) and Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom). Just as a comparison, the image of Munsu-bosal weighs 33 tons. And bookending the main altar are two large stone pillars. The body of the pillars are adorned in reliefs of lotus flowers, while the top of the pillars are adorned with multiple reliefs of phoenixes. The entire main altar rests beneath a large, golden canopy. To the right of the main altar, you’ll find a standing stone image dedicated to Dongjin-bosal (The Bodhisattva that Protects the Buddha’s Teachings). This statue stands in front of a stone relief of the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). In total, there are 104 guardians in this relief. And to the left of the main altar, you’ll find a child-like image of Munsu-bosal surrounded by various images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. If you look up at the ceiling of the structure, you’ll see one of the most intricate and colourful ceilings inside any shrine hall in Korea. Adding to this beauty on the walls are the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life).

To the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall is the Gwaneum-jeon Hall. And out in front of this shrine hall is the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Beopryunsa Temple in Yongin.” This three-story pagoda was first located in Guro-dong, Seoul. It was later moved to its present location. The pagoda is small and has a single-layer base. Each of the three roof stones for the body are quite short and steep for its overall size. Also, a new finial has been attached to the top of the pagoda. Based upon its style, it appears as though this pagoda was first constructed during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392).

As for the Gwaneum-jeon Hall that stands behind the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Beopryunsa Temple in Yongin,” the exterior walls are adorned with various incarnations of Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion). Stepping inside the Gwaneum-jeon Hall, you’ll find a shrine hall filled with beautiful Buddhist artistry. The main altar is occupied by a solitary image of Gwanseeum-bosal, who is surrounded on all sides by a colourful enclosure and a golden canopy overhead. This statue is backed by golden hanja script of a portion of the Lotus Sutra. And this statue is fronted by wooden panels of lotus flowers and phoenixes. Hanging on the far right wall is a large Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). The entire interior of the Gwaneum-jeon Hall is adorned with masterful paintings of the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

To the right of the Gwaneum-jeon Hall is the Josa-jeon Hall. The exterior walls are filled with paintings dedicated to images of Wonhyo-daesa (617-686 A.D.) and Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.), as well as the Bodhidharma. Stepping inside the Josa-jeon Hall, you’ll find two pictures of the temple’s founders on the main altar. And to the right of the Josa-jeon Hall is a large residential area for nuns. To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall, on the other hand, is the Temple Stay building, as well as a beautiful pavilion that houses a dragon-head water fountain with spring water pouring forth from it. And if you look up at the ceiling of the pavilion, you’ll notice a ceiling filled with beautiful painted images of white cranes.

Backing this wooden pavilion is the Geukrakbo-jeon Hall. The exterior walls are filled with images of redemption and Buddhist hell. Stepping inside the Geukrakbo-jeon Hall, you’ll find a main altar occupied by a triad centred by Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). This central image is joined on either side by Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) and Gwanseeum-bosal. This main altar triad is then joined on both sides by intricate paintings dedicated to the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld).

To the rear of the Geukrakbo-jeon Hall, and past a stone statue of Podae-hwasang (The Hempen Bag), you’ll find a trail that leads up to the Samseong-gak Hall. Along the way, you’ll pass by a standing statue of the Bodhidharma. Adorning the exterior of the Samseong-gak Hall are murals dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint), three paintings dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars), and a minhwa of “Tiger Smoking a Pipe.” Stepping inside the Samseong-gak Hall, you’ll see three colourful, wooden reliefs dedicated to Chilseong, Dokseong, and Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit).

How To Get There

From the Yongin Intercity Bus Terminal, you can take either Bus #10-3 or Bus #10-4 to get to Beopryunsa Temple. The bus ride will last some 24 stops over 25 minutes. You’ll need to get off at the “Wonsam-myeonhaeng-jeongbokji-senteo-hacha – 원삼면행정복지센터 하차.” The bus will drop you off right in front of the temple grounds.

Overall Rating: 8/10

For a modern temple, you really can’t do much better than Beopryunsa Temple. The beauty of the temple starts with the amazing Daeung-jeon Hall, but it certainly doesn’t end there. The exterior walls to this beautiful hall are filled with stunning murals. And as beautiful as the exterior is, the interior is even more beautiful with its massive granite main altar statues, as well as the intricate woodwork up near the ceiling of the structure. In addition to the Daeung-jeon Hall, the interior of the Gwaneum-jeon Hall is one of the most impressive in Korea with its main altar golden hanja script and the masterful murals dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Compassion adorning all of the interior walls. Other things to keep a look out for are the murals adorning the exterior of the Samseong-gak Hall, the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld) paintings inside the Geukrakbo-jeon Hall, and the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Beopryunsa Temple in Yongin.” All make for a beautiful visit to Beopryunsa Temple.

The stunning Daeung-jeon Hall at Beopryunsa Temple.
The amazing and intricate angles of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
A panel of four paintings that adorns the exterior of the main hall.
The impressive main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
A statue of Dongjin-bosal backed by a stone relief of the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
The shrine dedicated to Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
One of the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life) that adorns an interior wall of the main hall.
The intricate and colourful ceiling and beams of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The Gwaneum-jeon Hall (left) and Josa-jeon Hall (right) with the “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Beopryunsa Temple in Yongin” out in front of the two temple shrine halls.
The main altar of the Gwaneum-jeon Hall.
The Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) inside the Gwaneum-jeon Hall.
And one of the masterful paintings dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Compassion inside the Gwaneum-jeon Hall.
A mural dedicated to the Bodhidharma that adorns one of the exterior walls of the Josa-jeon Hall.
The “Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Beopryunsa Temple in Yongin” with the Beomjong-gak Pavilion behind it.
The ceiling of the wooden pavilion that houses the dragon-head spring at the temple.
The stunning roof of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The “Tiger Smoking a Pipe” that adorns one of the exterior walls of the Samseong-gak Hall.
And the wood relief dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) inside the Samseong-gak Hall.

Gukilam Hermitage – 국일암 (Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do)

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

Hermitage History

Gukilam Hermitage is one of a dozen hermitages on the Haeinsa Temple grounds in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do. As a result, Gukilam Hermitage is beautifully situated in Gayasan National Park. It’s unknown as to when Gukilam Hermitage was first founded. It’s also unknown who first founded the hermitage, as well. The name of the temple derives from the monk Byeokam (1575-1660).

Byeokam was born in Boeun, Chungcheongbuk-do. His father died when he was nine years old, and Byeokam became a monk at the age of fourteen under the monk Buhue (1543-1615). When the Imjin War (1592-98) started, Byeokam participated in the war under Buhue. And when the war was over, Byeokam returned home. Later, and at the behest of King Gwanghaegun of Joseon (r. 1608-1623), Byeokam became the abbot of Bongeunsa Temple. In 1624, Byeokam supervised the construction of the Namhansanseong Fortress in 1624. For his service, and the construction of the fortress in three years, Byeokam received the title of Gukil-dosa.

As for Gukilam Hermitage, it was rebuilt by Byeokam in 1637. Later, it would be rebuilt and repaired in 1942 and 1948. Currently, the hermitage is run by nuns.

The hermitage is home to two Gyeongsangnam-do Tangible Cultural Properties. The first is the Gupum-do, while the other is the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).

A painting of the monk Byeokam (1575-1660). (Picture courtesy of the CHA).

Hermitage Layout

Gukilam Hermitage is undergoing a lot of renovations and construction lately. You’ll pass through a gate to the far right, which is part of a long building that also acts as dorms to the left. Entering into the outer courtyard, you’ll instantly notice what looks to be a newly built multi-purpose building. This L-shaped building acts as the administrative office, dorms, and kitchen to the hermitage. It was also in this area, and on the far right ledge of the building, that a basket of peppers was drying in the cool autumn air.

You’ll pass by two sites that are currently under construction on the far right side of the hermitage grounds. They appear to have once been nuns’ dorms; and perhaps in the not-too-distant future, they’ll be dorms, once more.

Between the building sites to the right and the newly constructed multi-purpose building to your left, you’ll enter into the outer courtyard at Gukilam Hermitage. In this part of the hermitage grounds, you’ll find the only shrine hall at Gukilam Hermitage. Like Yaksuam Hermitage and Bohyeonam Hermitage that are also on the Haeinsa Temple grounds, the main hall is well-hidden.

The main hall at Gukilam Hermitage appears to be a Myeongbu-jeon Hall. The exterior walls to this simplistic shrine hall are adorned with murals of the Sibiji-shin (The Twelve Spirit Generals). The plain green latticework at the front of the main hall are joined by whimsical Gwimyeon (Monster Mask) murals at the base of the front doors. Stepping inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall, and hanging on the far right wall as you enter, you’ll notice the historic Shinjung Taenghwa. As for the main altar, you’ll find a solitary image of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) inside a glass enclosure. And joining this main altar statue of Jijang-bosal to the left and right are a pair of paintings dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars) and Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). The image of Sanshin almost appears to be a conflation of Sanshin and Dokseong (The Lonely Saint) into one individual image. And joining this hybrid image of Sanshin is a leopard-like tiger that stares off into the distance with its black, gold, and green eyes.

How To Get There

To get to Gukilam Hermitage, you’ll first need to get to Haeinsa Temple. And to get to Haeinsa Temple, you’ll first need to get to the Seobu Bus Terminal in Daegu. From here, you can catch an express bus to Haeinsa Temple. This express bus departs every 40 minutes, and the bus ride lasts about an hour and a half. After arriving at Haeinsa Temple, you’ll need to head south from the Iljumun Gate. You’ll pass by a collection of biseok (stele) and budo (stupa) There is a mountain road with a large rock and sign markers that point you towards the four hermitages in this area of the Haeinsa Temple grounds. The first hermitage along the way is Gukilam Hermitage. From the Iljumun Gate to the hermitage, it’s about 500 metres. In total, and depending on how fast you walk, it should take 10 to 15 minutes to get to Gukilam Hermitage.

Overall Rating: 2/10

There wasn’t a lot to see or experience at Gukilam Hermitage before the construction on the hermitage grounds, and there is even less to see now. With that being said, Gukilam Hermitage is mostly for diehard temple adventurers that might want to see all of the hermitages on the Haeinsa Temple grounds. Outside of wanting to see all of these hermitages, the highlights at Gukilam Hermitage are the murals of the zodiac generals that adorn the exterior walls of the main hall, the historic Shinjung Taenghwa, and the older Sanshin (Mountain Spirit) mural inside the main hall.

As you first enter the outer courtyard at Gukilam Hermitage.
The main hall to the rear of the hermitage grounds.
One of the Gwimyeon (Monster Masks) that adorns the front doors of the Myeongbu-jeon Hall.
A pair of paintings from the Sibiji-shin (The Twelve Spirit Generals).
A closer look at the monkey zodiac.
A panel that adorns one of the exterior walls of the Myeongbu-jeon Hall. This panel is dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife).
The rather oddly cut entry door to the main hall.
The main altar inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall.
The painting dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars) inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall.
Joined by this older mural dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit).
The historic Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) at Gukilam Hermitage. (Picture courtesy of the CHA).
The Gupum-do at Gukilam Hermitage, as well. (Picture courtesy of the CHA).

Samseonam Hermitage – 삼선암 (Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do)

The View from the Samseong-gak Hall at Samseonam Hermitage on the Haeinsa Temple Grounds in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Hermitage History

Samseonam Hermitage is located on the Haeinsa Temple grounds in the foothills of Mt. Gayasan (1,433 m) in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do. Samseonam Hermitage was first founded by the monk Jahong in 1893. It was later rebuilt in 1904 by two monks, Bochan and Jijong. The hermitage was rebuilt, once more, in 1971. Currently, Samseonam Hermitage is a nunnery (bikuni) meditation centre.

Hermitage Layout

From the hermitage parking lot, you’ll make your way towards a collection of buildings including a storage building to your left. Eventually you’ll pass through an entryway with a signboard that reads “Banya-seonwon – 반야선원 (般若禪院)” on it. To the right of this entryway are a row of nuns’ dorms. The ceiling of the entryway is adorned with beautiful lotus flower paintings, as well as vibrant painted guardians on the walls.

Having passed through the hermitage entryway, you’ll now be standing in the main hermitage courtyard. Straight ahead of you is a impromptu natural rock pagoda. It’s unclear if the nuns’ at the hermitage built it, or whether it was visitors. Either way, it stands precariously on a large black boulder.

Behind the rock pagoda is the main hall at Samseonam Hermitage, the Geukrak-jeon Hall. There are several entryways to this multi-purpose shrine hall. The entryway in the centre is the entryway to the Geukrak-jeon Hall. Before entering the main hall, you’ll notice that there is a long wooden corridor that links all of the doors together. The left doors are entrances for various meeting areas and meditation. And on the far right side of the corridor, and under protective glass, you’ll find an older Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural). Stepping inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall, you’ll find a simple main altar. Underneath an understated datjib (canopy), and housed inside a glass enclosure, you’ll find the main altar triad. The central statue is that of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). This central image is joined on either side by Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife).

To the left of this multi-purpose shrine hall that includes the Geukrak-jeon Hall, you’ll find the administrative office and dorms. But it’s to the right of this central building, and around the corner from this multi-purpose building that also houses the hermitages kitchen and painting dedicated to Jowang-shin (The Fireplace King Spirit), that you’ll find the hillside Samseong-gak Hall. This elevated shaman shrine hall rests between the rows of nuns’ dorms to your right and the multi-purpose building to the left.

Climbing a steep, aged set of stone stairs, the exterior walls to the Samseong-gak Hall are adorned with murals dedicated to various shaman deities, as well as murals dedicated to an all-white Gwanseeum-bosal and a white elephant riding Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power). Stepping inside the Samseong-gak Hall, you’ll see a beautiful collection of older shaman deity paintings. Hanging on the far right wall is a mural dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). Hanging on the far left wall is a mural dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). And hanging in between these two murals are seven different mural depictions of Chilseong (The Seven Stars). It’s a beautiful collection!

How To Get There

To get to Samseonam 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. About 500 metres up this trek, a part of this trail will fork to the left. You’ll need to head up this trail for an additional 200 metres. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Samseonam Hermitage.

Overall Rating: 3.5/10

The definitive highlight at Samseonam Hermitage is the Samseong-gak Hall. Both the outdoor aesthetic and how it’s positioned on the hillside to the beautiful, old shaman murals housed inside it, the Samseong-gak Hall is a must-see at the hermitage. Additionally, the hermitage is beautifully positioned by a meandering stream to the west. Samseonam Hermitage has an overall tranquility to it.

The meandering stream next to the hermitage grounds.
The Banya-seonwon entry to Samseonam Hermitage.
One of the guardian paintings that adorns the entryway.
The multi-purpose shrine hall at Samseonam Hermitage.
Fall foliage and the rock pagoda in the hermitage courtyard.
A look down the long shrine hall.
The main altar inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall.
Some more of the beautiful fall foliage at the hermitage.
A blurry image of Jowang-shin (The Fireplace King Spirit).
The hillside Samseong-gak Hall.
One of the exterior walls is adorned with this image of Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power).
The central images dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars) inside the shaman shrine hall.
Joined by this older image dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint).
And an older image of Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), as well.
The view from the Samseong-gak Hall.

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