Beopjusa Temple, UNESCO World Heritage

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

Beopjusa Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Beopjusa Temple, founded in 553 by monk Uisin during the Silla Dynasty, is located on Mount Sokrisan in Boeun, South Korea. It is the head temple of the 5th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. In 2018, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Silla." The temple is home to key structures such as Palsangjeon, Daeungbojeon, and the Twin Lion Stone Lanterns, and boasts numerous national treasures. Beopjusa is a significant cultural and historical site, attracting visitors with its beautiful natural setting and cultural events.

 

[Table of Contents]

1. Introduction of Beopjusa Temple

2. The History of Beopjusa Temple

3. Major Cultural Assets

4. Visit to Beopjusa Temple

5. Conclusion

 

1. Introduction of Beopjusa Temple

Beopjusa Temple, founded in 553 by Monk Uisin, who returned from Tang China, is steeped in legend. While searching for a site to build the temple, a white mule stopped at the present Beopjusa location. The monk, moved by the beautiful scenery and special energy of the place, decided to build a temple there and named it Beopjusa, meaning "the Buddha's law resides here."

In 2018, Beopjusa was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside other mountain temples such as Tongdosa, Buseoksa, Bongjeongsa, Magoksa, Seonamsa, and Daeheungsa.

Beopjusa



2. The History of Beopjusa Temple

Beopjusa Temple has a long history of reconstructions, with notable monks serving as its leaders. During the Goryeo Dynasty, Do-saeng Seungtong and Misu Daesa contributed significantly, and in 1363, King Gongmin personally visited the temple to enshrine Buddha’s relics. During the Joseon period, King Sejo helped with reconstruction, and by the mid-Joseon period, the temple had over 60 buildings and 70 small hermitages. However, the temple was severely damaged during the Imjin War and later rebuilt by monks Samyeong Daesa and Byeokam Gakseong. The Maitreya statue was commissioned in 1939 and completed in 1964. Beopjusa remains a historically significant temple, preserving many cultural relics since its founding in the Silla period.

 

3. Major Cultural Assets

  • Daeungbojeon : Daeungbojeon, founded in 553 by Uisin during the Silla Dynasty and reconstructed in 1624 by Beokam Daesa, is designated as Treasure No. 915. It features a unique eight-fold roof and a Dapo style, and is considered one of Korea's top three Buddhist halls.
  • Beopjusa Palsangjeon : Beopjusa Palsangjeon, a unique wooden pagoda and National Treasure No. 55, is the only remaining wooden pagoda after the destruction of others, including the one at Ssangbongsa in 1984.
  • Twin Lion Stone Lantern : The Twin Lion Stone Lantern (National Treasure No. 5), built around 720 during the reign of King Seongdeok of Silla, is considered one of the finest examples of Silla stone craftsmanship, with two lions supporting a stone platform.
  • Sinbeop Cheongmundobyeongpung : The Sinbeop Cheongmundobyeongpung, a large star map created in 1723 in China and designated as Treasure No. 848, is a highly valuable cultural artifact.
  • Jeongi Pimsong of Mount Sokrisan : The Jeongi Pimsong, a 600-year-old pine tree, was given a prestigious title by King Sejo in 1464 and has been protected as Natural Monument No. 103 since 1962.

 

4. Visit to Beopjusa Temple

Beopjusa Temple, a thousand-year-old site founded during the Silla Dynasty, offers a serene atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can walk the Sejo Trail, used by King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty, to experience the peaceful forest. The temple features the 33-meter-tall Golden Maitreya Buddha, the unique wooden pagoda Palsangjeon (National Treasure No. 55), the Daeungbojeon, one of Korea's three great Buddhist halls, and the Jeongiipom Song, a pine tree associated with King Sejo's procession.

 

5. Conclusion

Beopjusa continues to be an important Buddhist temple attracting many devotees, with various religious and cultural events held throughout the year. It is one of the most famous temples in the National Park, featuring National Treasures like Palsangjeon and Seokyeonji, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beopjusa’s rich historical and cultural significance, alongside its natural beauty, makes it a must-visit destination for many tourists.

Location: Beopjusa

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