Muryangsa Temple (Buyeo)

About this place

Muryangsa, a millennium-old temple nestled in the skirts of Mansusan Mountain in Oesan-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, was founded by National Monk Beomil during the reign of King Munmu of Silla, and has undergone several reconstructions to reach its present form. It is Korea's foremost Amitabha prayer sanctuary. Passing through the Sacheonwang Gate (Four Heavenly Kings Gate), the Treasure-designated Geungnakjeon (Paradise Hall) comes into full view. The Sacheonwang Gate offers the best vantage point for appreciating the temple's beauty: the two-story Geungnakjeon (an undivided interior despite two apparent stories), a Five-Story Stone Pagoda (Treasure), and a Stone Lantern (Treasure) stand in a row creating a magnificent spectacle. The Seated Amitabha Triad in Geungnakjeon (Treasure) is equally impressive. Muryangsa is the place where the scholar Kim Si-seup (pen name Maewoldang), one of the Six Living Martyrs, passed away. His stupa and portrait are preserved in the temple grounds. Though administratively part of Buyeo-gun, it is closer to Boryeong city center.