Jangyuksa

About this place

Set on Mount Unseosan, Jangyuksa is a branch temple of Bulguksa, the head temple of the 11th diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was founded in 1355 by the Seon master Naong during the reign of King Gongmin at the end of the Goryeo dynasty, and it is where he practiced meditation and passed away; after his death, many monks gathered here to practice in accordance with his teaching, making it a temple of historic importance. When it burned down during the reign of King Sejong of Joseon, the monk Hwaji rebuilt it; it was also repaired after being ravaged during the Japanese invasions of 1592, and later reconstructed by Yi Hyeon-gyu in 1900. Today it comprises the Daeungjeon (Main Hall), a bell pavilion, Hongyeonam, Sansingak, Geumdang, and living quarters. The Daeungjeon is a gable-roofed building three bays wide and three bays deep, built in the jusimpo bracket style. Of the three Buddha statues within it, the seated Avalokiteshvara on the right is a lacquered statue made of paper: created in 1395 (4th year of King Taejo) by local officials to pray for the well-being of King Taejo and Queen Hyeonbi, it was formed by layering sheets of paper over a base frame and then gilding it, and has been designated a national Treasure. Jangyuksa runs a temple-stay program where visitors can set aside everyday worries, learn the Buddha's teachings, and experience practice. It offers a one-day type for both Koreans and foreigners, a one-night, two-day experiential type that refreshes body and mind with clean air and simple temple food in nature, and a restful type for women. Nearby are broad, beautiful East Sea beaches such as Jangsa, Daejin, and Goraebul, as well as the Okgye recreation area, the Chilbosan forest resort, the Gyeongbo Fossil Museum, and the memorial hall of General Sin Dol-seok, a righteous-army commander of the late Joseon period.