Millennium-old Temple, Korea Jikjisa Temple

This is a blog that provides travel information about historical sites in Korea.

Jeokjisa: A Treasure of Korean Buddhist History and Culture

Jikjisa Temple is a serene Buddhist temple located on the southeastern slope of Mount Hwangak, 1,111 meters above sea level in Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk. It serves as the main temple of the 8th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Founded in 418 AD by the Goguryeo monk Ado, Jikjisa has played a significant role in the history and culture of Korean Buddhism, producing numerous great monks over the past 1,600 years.


[Table of Contents]

1. Introduction to Jikjisa Temple

2. History of Establishment

3. Major Cultural Assets

4. Cultural Significance

5. How to Visit Jeokjisa

6. TempleStay

7. Conclusion


1. Introduction to Jikjisa Temple

Jikjisa Temple, located on Mount Hwangak in Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, is a historic Buddhist temple founded in 418 AD. Originally established by the monk Mughoja, it flourished under the Goryeo Dynasty with royal support. Despite destruction during the Japanese invasions (Imjin War), it was restored in 1610. The temple, known for its Goryeo architectural styles, houses significant structures such as the Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall), Gyeongnakjeon (Paradise Hall), and Jonggak (Bell Pavilion). It is also home to important relics, including the "Jikji Simche Yojol," the world’s first metal movable type print, now recognized by UNESCO.

Jikjisa


2. History of Establishment

Jikjisa was founded in 418 AD and became a key center for Buddhist practice during the Goryeo period, receiving patronage from the royal family. The temple suffered destruction during the Imjin War, leading to a period of decline. Restoration efforts in the late 16th century and the 20th century, especially the recognition of the "Jikji Simche Yojol" in 2001 by UNESCO, have reaffirmed Jikjisa’s importance. The temple remains a key cultural and historical landmark, both domestically and internationally.


3. Major Cultural Assets

Jikjisa Temple is home to several key cultural assets, including the Daeungjeon, a Goryeo-period structure housing the main Buddha statue; Geungnakjeon, a hall dedicated to Amitabha Buddha; and the "Jikji Simche Yojol," the first metal movable type book, published in 1377. The temple also preserves national treasures, such as Goryeo-era stone sculptures and Buddha statues, making it an invaluable cultural site.


4. Cultural Significance

Jikjisa holds cultural significance for three reasons: it was a major center for Buddhism during the Goryeo Dynasty; it preserves architectural and artistic traditions from the Goryeo era; and it houses many cultural relics, including stupas containing the remains of revered monks. These elements make Jikjisa not just a temple but a symbol of Korea’s Buddhist heritage and history.


5. How to Visit Jeokjisa

Jeokjisa, located in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a historically and culturally significant Buddhist temple that can be easily accessed through various transportation options. Below are several ways to get to Jeokjisa:

5.1. By Car

  • Address : 95 Jeokjisa-gil, Daehang-myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
  • From Seoul to Jeokjisa : Seoul ⇒ Gyeongbu Expressway Chupungnyeong Interchange (3 hours) ⇒ National Route 4 (toward Gimcheon) ⇒ Local Road 903 ⇒ Jeokjisa
  • From Busan to Jeokjisa : Busan ⇒ Gyeongbu Expressway Gimcheon Interchange (2 hours 30 minutes) ⇒ National Route 4 (toward Yeongdong) ⇒ Local Road 903 ⇒ Jeokjisa

5.2. By Bus

  • From Gimcheon Station to Jeokjisa : Buses depart every 20 minutes (Make sure to take the bus heading to Jeokjisa). Some buses also go to Chupungnyeong.

5.3. By KTX

  • From Seoul Station to Gimcheon-Gumi Station: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
  • From Busan Station to Gimcheon-Gumi Station: Approximately 1 hour 12 minutes
  • From Gimcheon (Gumi) Station : Take a city bus to Gimcheon Terminal ⇒ At Gimcheon Terminal, take Bus 11 or 111 (to Jeokjisa) ⇒ Get off at Jeokjisa Terminal (Buses depart every 10 minutes).

5.4. By Taxi

  • From Gimcheon Station to Jeokjisa : Approximately 22 minutes, 12.3 km
  • From Gimcheon-Gumi Station to Jeokjisa : Approximately 33 minutes, 20.9 km


6. TempleStay

Jikjisa Temple, which launched Korea’s first Temple Stay program in 2002, offers a unique opportunity for participants to heal through meditation in a tranquil, natural environment. The temple provides various Temple Stay programs tailored to different needs: the "Meditation-Focused Program" helps participants find inner peace, the "Youth Temple Stay" offers a break from academic and life pressures, and the "Resting Temple Stay" immerses guests in the daily life and traditions of Korean Buddhism. These programs allow visitors to rediscover themselves and experience Buddhist culture.


7. Conclusion

Jikjisa, founded during the Goryeo Dynasty, is renowned for publishing the first metal movable type book, the "Jikji Simche Yojeol," in 1377, a UNESCO Memory of the World. The temple preserves traditional Goryeo-era architecture, including the Daeungjeon, Gukrakjeon, and Jonggak, providing insight into the Buddhist architectural style. Additionally, it houses various cultural assets, including stupas with the remains of revered monks, making it a significant center for Korean Buddhism. With its rich heritage, Jikjisa offers a profound experience of Korean Buddhist traditions.

Location: Korea Jikjisa Temple

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