A Day Trip to Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye: A Journey Through History and Beauty
Hello!
Last weekend, my family took a trip to Gurye, Jeollanam-do. It was a spontaneous trip that we planned on the spur of the moment, and after coming back, we all felt, "We definitely made the right decision to come!" Today, I'd like to share the story of Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye, which was the starting point of our trip.
Gurye Hwaeomsa Temple
Address: 539, Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Operating Hours: 00:00 ~ 18:00
Admission Fee: Free
Parking: Free (ample parking space available)
Entering Hwaeomsa Temple
Hwaeomsa Temple: A thousand-year-old temple
The Templestay training center is also quite large.
The stone statues erected at the beginning of the temple grounds are adorable.
Our first destination was Hwaeomsa Temple. Hwaeomsa is a historic temple founded in the 8th century during the Unified Silla period. Although it was destroyed by fire by the Japanese army during the Imjin War, it was rebuilt and continues to this day.
The temple grounds are home to 5 national treasures and 6 treasures, making it even more special. Among them, Gakhwangjeon Hall and the Stone Lantern are must-see artifacts.
Free guided tours are available three times a day.
The day we visited, the weather was really clear and blue. The serene temple buildings and the blue sky created a scene as if we had stepped into a painting. Free guided tours are offered three times a day, so if you time your visit accordingly, you can gain a deeper understanding of Hwaeomsa's history and cultural assets.
Treasures at Seongbo Museum
Inside Hwaeomsa Temple is the Seongbo Museum, which houses national treasures such as a replica of the Yeongsanhoe Gwaebultaeng (Buddhist hanging scroll), and treasures such as Hwaeom Stone Sutras and Reliquaries. The state of preservation was amazing. It's a small space, but definitely worth a visit.
Majestic Main Hall and Five-Story Stone Pagodas
Passing through the Four Heavenly Kings Gate and climbing the beautiful stairs, two five-story stone pagodas standing to the east and west in front of the Main Hall come into view. Designated as treasures, the pagodas stand guard over the Main Hall and Gakhwangjeon Hall, exuding a majestic presence.
Hwaeomsa's Highlight: Gakhwangjeon Hall
Gakhwangjeon Hall was definitely the most eye-catching structure in Hwaeomsa. It was originally a three-story building first built by Great Master Uisang of Silla, but it was destroyed during the Imjin War and rebuilt in its current form during the reign of King Sukjong.
The magnificent structure unique to wooden buildings, the captivating color of the roof tiles created by time, and the overwhelming feeling given by the soaring ceiling… I couldn't help but be amazed. In the front yard are also the National Treasure Stone Lantern and the Treasure Lion Pagoda, which can be appreciated together.
108 Steps and the Four Lions Three-Story Stone Pagoda
Climbing the 108 steps next to Gakhwangjeon Hall will lead you to the National Treasure Four Lions Three-Story Stone Pagoda. The scenery of the green grass around the pagoda, the ridgeline of Jirisan Mountain, and the clear sky and clouds all blended together like an oriental painting.
Capturing the Beautiful Scenery with My Camera
Hwaeomsa Temple is a place where each building is wonderful, and even the layout, stairs, and floors are beautiful, making you constantly press the camera shutter. A big advantage is that you can get great photos from any location.
I was so engrossed in exploring the cultural heritage and architectural beauty that two hours flew by. I wish I had more time to stay longer. It was a time that relaxed my mind and healed both my eyes and heart.
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