Deokumam Hermitage (Namwon)

About this place

Deogeumsa Temple sits halfway up Mt. Deogeum in Namwon. The view here is excellent, offering a sweeping panorama of the city of Namwon. Judging from the seated stone Buddha created during the Joseon Dynasty that stands where Deogeumsa is located, it is clear that this was the site of an old temple, but it is regrettable that there is no documentary evidence whatsoever to confirm this. The present Deogeumsa was founded in 1929 through the cooperation of the monk Eungsu and No Yeong-jun. Some records describe No Yeong-jun as a monk, but according to what is passed down at Deogeumsa today, No Yeong-jun was a lay believer, and at the time the monk Eungsu was residing there. Around 1941, it served as the Deogeum Propagation Hall. Thereafter, from 1960, the monk Hyebong Kim Wan-jin resided there for a long time and built and expanded Mireukjeon, Samseonggak, the bell pavilion, Yeombuldang, Wonjudang, Sansingak, and monks' quarters, completely renewing its scale. At present, the monk Seonok serves as the abbot. In 1949, Mireukjeon and Sansingak were newly built; in the late 1960s the bell pavilion was newly built, and in 1986 Samseonggak (Chilseonggak) and Yeombuldang were enlarged. Also, the thatched monks' quarters from the time of its founding were dismantled and Wonjudang was built.