Gwaneumsa Temple on Jeju Island, Korea
The Iljumun Gate at Gwaneumsa Temple
Gwaneumsa Temple, named after Gwanseeum-bosal (Kuan Yin, Bodhisattva of Compassion), is on Jeju Island of Korea. This temple was built during the Tamna Dynasty (476 BC–1005 CE) on the northeast side of Mt. Halla. When the royal court of Joseon declared the state religion to be Confucianism during the 1700s, Buddhism ran into obstacles for a while. Gwaneumsa Temple was destroyed during this period. However, the Buddhist nun Anbongryeokwan undertook to rebuild this temple in 1912, which was later expanded and renovated in 1964.
The scenic entry path that leads to the temple grounds
A wide Iljumun Gate with its copper-coloured roof greets one entering the temple grounds. The path to the temple is one of most scenic entryways in Korea, with the many stone statues of Mireuk-bul (Maitreya, the future Buddha) and tall cedar trees, lining the path. Beyond the cedar trees, slightly to the right is the Sanshinak Pavilion where a large statue of Amita-bul (Amitabha, Buddha of the Western Paradise) sits, surrounded by a pantheon of smaller sized statues of various Bodhisattvas and Arhats. There are also large outdoor statues of Gwanseeum-bosal, Munsu-bosal (Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom), and Bohyun-bosal (Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of Power) slightly left of the temple.
A large statue of Amita-bul (Amitabha) surrounded by smaller sized statues of various Bodhisattvas and Arhats
A beautiful outdoor Buddha statue at Gwaneumsa Temple complex
Further up the path is the Cheonwangmun Gate with murals of the Four Heavenly Kings and more Mireuk-bul statues atop stone pedestals. There is a meditational cave where monks enter into meditation retreats but now is a shrine for prayer. In the courtyard of the temple, there is a beautiful koi pond with a brick pagoda in the centre. The gift shop and temple accommodation are to the right the main temple.
The main prayer hall
Mireuk-bul (Maitreya) statue atop stone pedestal
Meditation cave that is now a shrine for prayers
As you enter the main hall or the Daeung-jeon of the temple, you will be greeted by the statues of Seokgamoni-bul (Shakyamuni, the Historical Buddha), flanked by Munsu-bosal and Bohyun-bosal. Going up the stairs to the second floor, you will be greeted with a mural-decorated wall, which includes a painting of Bodhidharma, and a set of doors that lead into the large Samseong-gak shaman shrine. At the altar is the mural of Chilseong (the Seven Stars), flanked by Sanshin (the Mountain Spirit) and Doseong (the Lonely Saint), respectively. There is the vibrantly-coloured mural of Yongwang (the Dragon King) seated on his throne.
The main altar inside the main hall with Seokgamoni-bul (Shakyamuni), flanked by Munsu-bosal (Manjushri) and Bohyun-bosal (Samantabhadra)
On the farther right of the main prayer hall is the Jijangjeon, and on the second altar further left is the large green-haired statue of Jijang-bosal (Ksitigarbha, the Earth Store Bodhisattva). The bell pavilion and a three-tier stone pagoda are on the far left of the main hall.
The altar inside the Jijangjeon with a large statue of Jijang-bosal (Ksitigarbha) sitting all alone
To the far left stand this three-tier pagoda and two-storey bell pavilion
Gwaneumsa Temple is a beautifully well-kept temple rich in history that had been both sad and rejoiceful. Sad in that the original temple had been destroyed due to riots and rejoiceful in that there had been monks who gained attainments from their meditative retreats. With the four seasons, Gwaneumsa Temple offers visitors different scenes and photo opportunities.
Admission to the temple is free.
How to get there: You can take a bus towards Sancheondan from Jeju City. The bus departs every twenty minutes, and the ride should last about 30 minutes. When the bus drops you off at Sancheondan, you will need to walk an additional thirty minutes to the temple. There are signs to help guide your way to Gwaneumsa Temple for the peaceful, enjoyable visit.
Sources:
- Dostoevsky, Dale, ‘Gwaneumsa Temple – 관음사 (Jeju City, Jeju-do)’, Dale’s Korean Temple Adventures, 12 October 2014, [website] http://koreantemples.com/?p=9953 (accessed 8 January 2019)
- Rager-Summers, Mary, ‘GWANEUMSA TEMPLE’, 10 Magazine: The Art of Insightful Local Living, 30 March 2012, [website] https://10mag.com/gwaneumsa-temple-jeju-korea/ (accessed: 9 January 2019)
- ‘Gwaneumsa Temple (Jeju) (관음사(제주)’, Imagine Your Korea, [website] http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1121529 (accessed: 8 January 2019)
- Dostoevsky, Dale, ‘Gwaneumsa Temple – 관음사 (Jeju City, Jeju-do)’, Korea Bridge, 10 December 2014, [website], http://koreabridge.net/post/gwaneumsa-temple-%E2%80%93-%EA%B4%80%EC%9D%8C%EC%82%AC-jeju-city-jeju-do-dostoevsky2181 (accessed: 8 January 2019)
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Beautiful Gwaneumsa Temple on Jeju Island, Korea is believed to have been first built in the early centuries AD’s . Well there little proof indicates the exact year of construction. Wow beautiful pathway to the temples with numerous stone statues and cedar trees planted along the entryway. Passing the cedar trees, is a large statue dedicated to large statue Amita-bul which is then surrounded by descriptive statues of various life-sized statues of guardians. Its considered to be one of the most picturesque entryway and there are also other large outdoor statues. A beautiful place to visit and popular for its colourful breath taking scenery.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing.
Interesting history and beautiful pictures and scenery of Gwaneumsa Temple on Jeju Island, Korea. Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for sharing another wonderful Buddhist Temple ???
Very very interesting.