Buseoksa Temple (Seosan)

About this place

This temple at the foot of Dobizan Mountain on the West Sea coast is an ancient temple of nearly 1,500 years, founded in 677 (the 17th year of King Munmu of Silla) by the Venerable Uisang. It was later rebuilt by National Master Muhak and designated as a Chungcheongnam-do cultural heritage material in 1984. The temple grounds contain a Geungnakjeon (Amitabha Hall), residential quarters, Singeom-dang, and Anyangnu pavilion. Buddhist figures include Amitabha as the main Buddha, with eight statues including Avalokitesvara, Mahasthamaprapta, and Ksitigarbha enshrined around it. The scenery around the temple is beautiful, attracting many visitors. The temple also operates a temple-stay program for direct experience of Buddhist monastic life. Dobizan Mountain, where the temple is located, has a summit elevation of 352.8 m and, while not particularly high, rises alone on the West Sea coast and offers clear views of the surroundings, especially the spectacular West Sea sunset. The temple also lies along the Seosan Aramegil Dobiamaru trail. Nearby attractions include Ganwolho Lake, Cheonsumanman Bay (a migratory bird habitat), and Seosan Birdland.