A Peaceful Retreat to Cheoneunsa Temple in Jirisan National Park
Hello, this is Gonggam Story.
Last Sunday, as usual, my wife and I went trekking. After climbing Sasungam Hermitage nearby, we stopped by a 50-year-old Cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew) restaurant for a delicious meal. To aid digestion, we visited Cheoneunsa Temple, nestled in the foothills of Jirisan Mountain in Gurye.
Cheoneunsa Temple, aptly named 'Temple with a Hidden Spring,' is a branch temple of Hwaeomsa Temple belonging to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Legend has it that it was founded during the Silla Dynasty. The temple grounds are designated as cultural properties with high historical and architectural value. Visiting in person, I found the temple to be even more serene and well-maintained than it appeared in photos.
After parking in the large parking lot, we walked towards the temple entrance, and the surrounding scenery, framed by tall pine trees, was quite impressive.
Upon entering the temple, a low stone bridge and a stream immediately caught our attention. Passing through the Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings, we were greeted by a remarkably well-organized and peaceful atmosphere.
Climbing the stairs, we saw Geungnakbojeon, a hall enshrining Amitabha Buddha. For your information, temples with a Daeungjeon hall enshrine Shakyamuni Buddha. The difference lies in the Buddha of the Pure Land (a symbolic Buddha of faith) versus the Buddha of this world (a historical, real-life Buddha). You've probably heard the Buddhist chant, "Namu Amitabul Gwanseeum Bosal" at least once. Here, "Namu" signifies entrusting oneself, reliance, and respect.
To the right of the temple, there's a large Bodhi tree and a stream. The sound of the water is quite loud.
Looking towards Geungnakbojeon from the temple stay next to the stream, the lines of the walls and buildings are aesthetically pleasing.
Behind Geungnakbojeon, we found Potai Heshang, often called the Chinese Santa Claus. The surrounding area is filled with paper notes with wishes written on Bodhi tree leaf-shaped paper.
Although the flowers have all fallen now, the well-maintained crape myrtle trees and stone walls are a beautiful combination.
We entered the pine tree trail next to the temple. It's about 1km long and ranks among the top five trails I've seen recently. Inside, there are facilities where you can lie down and enjoy the mountain air, as well as a valley boasting an impressive waterfall.
After a short walk along the pine tree trail, we went up to the pavilion in front of Geungnakbojeon and were greeted by a beautiful view. We took a commemorative photo.
I took another photo framed by the pavilion. It would be amazing to take pictures in the fall when the ginkgo trees turn yellow.
I took a picture of a cat with glossy fur, probably raised by the temple. The modeling fee will be paid later.
Originally, we planned to visit the reservoir in front of Cheoneunsa Temple and take a walk around it, but it was closed due to damage from the recent heavy rain. I was disappointed, but after exploring the temple grounds, I thought it was a worthwhile visit. I'll have to come again in the fall.
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