Seoak Temple, Andong

About this place

Seoaksa is a temple belonging to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, said to have been founded by State Preceptor Doseon during the reign of King Gyeongmun in the late Unified Silla period. According to the temple records 'Seoaksagi' and 'Taehwasan Undaesa Sangnyang Gimun,' in 1744 (the 20th year of King Yeongjo) Seoaksa, which had stood halfway up Taehwasan, was moved to its present site, and in 1748 (the 24th year of King Yeongjo) a large-scale reconstruction project was carried out. Seoaksa is one of the four peaks (saak) of the main district and a bibo temple (a temple built to supplement the geomantic energy of the land). Of the main district's four peaks, the east is called Dongak and has a temple; the south is Namsan, where Suncheonsa stands; the west is Seoak, which has a temple; and the north is Geumhaksan, where a temple called Sujeongsa stands. The buildings consist of the Wontongjeon and two monks' quarters (yosachae). The Buddhist statue inside the Wontongjeon, the main hall, was made in recent times, while the six taenghwa (Buddhist scroll paintings) are regarded as relics of preservation value; of the six, three were made in 1770 (the 45th year of King Yeongjo) and one in 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong). Also, the bronze bell in the hall was cast in March 1933, and although its date is not old, it is a precious relic that faithfully follows the style of Joseon-period temple bells. On a rock at the temple entrance remains the inscription 'Yeonpa Dokyeoksan' (蓮坡讀易山). This inscription means that Jang Hwa-sik (1853-1938), who served as the Mayor of Hanseong (Hanseong Panyun) in the late Joseon period, read the 'Book of Changes' (Yijing) here; his tomb lies behind the temple.