Munsu Temple (Gimje)

About this place

Munsu Temple was founded in Munsu Valley by the monk Hyedeok (Royal Teacher) in the 25th year of Baekje King Mu (623 AD), following a vision of Manjushri Bodhisattva, and was originally called Munsu Hermitage (Munsuam). It is said that in 950 the buildings were destroyed by fire, but only the Munsuam hanging sign flew through the air and landed on the current site of the temple. Taking this as a divine sign to build there, the temple was rebuilt at its present location in 957, the 8th year of Goryeo King Gwangjong, by the monk Hyerim (Royal Teacher). The distance between the original Munsu Valley site and the current location is 350 m; the original flying plaque is still preserved and its calligraphy is considered divinely inspired. In the forecourt and beside the Gwaneumjeon hall of Munsu Temple stand zelkova trees; these ancient trees, known as 'gwimok' (precious trees), were planted as a landmark by the monk Mubul, a practising monk who came through in the year 705 of the lunar calendar (1202 CE). The Gwimok trees serve as living markers of the temple's long history.