Yeongwolam Hermitage (Jangsu)

About this place

Yeongwolam Hermitage is a branch temple of Geumsansa, the head temple of the 17th District of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on Seongsasan Mountain in Bongseo-ri, Sanseo-myeon. With its literary name meaning 'welcoming and sending off the moon,' one can look out over the surrounding scenery from within the temple grounds. The buildings are placed one by one in a narrow upward-climbing space that defies the mountain topography, arranged to see the early-rising moon up close and keep it late, creating a beautiful landscape. The low surrounding hills form a folding screen, and the buildings are arranged in harmony with the mountain's appearance, as if part of nature itself. The temple was founded in 1910, burned down during the Korean War in 1950, and rebuilt in 1952 by Venerable Seokju and Seokjeong. The current Amitabha Hall (Geungnakjeon), Chilseongak, two monks' quarters, and bell tower were constructed in 1987.