Wongaksa Temple (Gumi)

About this place

Wongaksa Temple (Gumi) is a branch temple of the Jikjisa Head Temple of the 8th District of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on the western slope of Bibongsan Mountain in Gumi. Bibongsan Mountain has Hyeongjebong Peak at its center, with Mitasan Mountain to the left and Bibongsan to the right of Hyeongjebong. The temple was established in 1931 during the Japanese colonial era when the then-head monk of Dorisa Temple, Ha Jeong-gwang, purchased land and buildings and renovated them to foster Korean national spirit. At first, because permission as a Buddhist temple was not granted, it began as the 'Seonsan Missionary Center' and later became Wongaksa. The wooden bodhisattva statue enshrined in Wongaksa's main hall, Wontongjeon, is a venerable Buddha image made in 1649 during the Joseon period. At the time the temple was founded, it was brought and enshrined from Sudasa Temple in Mueul-myeon, Gumi. The crown is ornate and the sculpture is excellent. It was designated a cultural heritage in 1999. In 1997, the head monk Daehye carried out a reconstruction project — building four residential quarters (yosachae), stone retaining walls, an approach path, expanded courtyard, and a sacred area — to bring the temple to its present state. Although the temple is located at the foot of the mountain, it is close to the village, making it easy for ceremonies and worship, and residents can take evening strolls and walk briefly through the temple grounds.