A tranquil Buddhist temple is situated at the northeastern foot of Nogosan Mountain not far from Bukhansan Mountain. It is a temple constructed in the days of Silla by Wonhyo Daesa who originally named it Heungseongam.

While he was practicing asceticism in Wonhyoam Hermitage 1,300 years ago, he saw auspicious energy generating from the northwest so he descended from the mountain at once to reach the site of today’s Heungguksa Temple and built a temple that he named Heungseongam as he envisioned a great number of holy men to be born from where the light had emerged. Then, during the reign of King Sukjong in Joseon Dynasty, the temple was built again and, during the reign of King Yeongjo, it was believed that Bhaisajyaguru of this temple helps the dynasty flourish, which led to the name of the temple to change to Heungguk.

Next to the Iljumun Gate at the entrance of the temple, long stairs lead up to Burimun, an entrance made of stone whose name means to practice asceticism with a whole heart. Once you pass through the gate and a broad front yard, ㄱ-shaped Daebang Beopdang, a Buddhist sanctuary, stands while Yaksajeon Hall is located in the backyard. Inside the sanctuary, monks and other Buddhist believers are seen quietly praying in front of Buddha’s statue.

The mind becomes peaceful at the sound of wind chimes generated by a gentle breeze, and I take a second to turn back once in a while as I penetrate deeper into the temple. The harmonious view of Bukhansan Mountain in the background and scenery of the temple shows a different look every time I turn around. After a few repetitions of turning around and slowly proceeding into the temple, you reach a hill in the back of Yaksajeon Hall where a bench is set up. You sit on the bench to look far away; roofs of Heungguksa Temple buildings, and peaks of Bukhansan Mountain seem close enough for me to reach them.

If you wish to go deeper into Heungguksa Temple, I recommend a temple stay experience. At this temple in the mountains, you can let go of all the stress that has been compiled in you through a time of self-seeking meditation and contemplation.

Written and photos by Park Hee-eun

Website heungguksa.or.kr

<Copyright(c)2002 GGC All rights reserved.>