A Trip to Woljeongsa Temple in Odaesan Mountain, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
When you think of traveling to Gangwon-do, one of the first places that comes to mind is Woljeongsa Temple in Odaesan Mountain.
During my winter travels, I used to visit about 12 times in a single winter. For me, it is a Pyeongchang travel destination full of memories.
Woljeongsa Temple is located in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, and is the head temple of the 4th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
Odaesan Mountain is unique in South Korea as the entire mountain is considered a Buddhist holy site.
Woljeongsa Temple, considered a sacred site dedicated to the Bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjusri, was founded by the monk Jajang Yulsa in 643 AD, during the 12th year of Queen Seondeok of Silla.
Monk Jajang went to study in China, where he encountered Manjusri Bodhisattva at Taehwaji Pond in Odaesan Mountain in Shanxi Province. Upon his return, he founded Woljeongsa Temple and built Jeokmyeolbogung (Hall enshrining Buddha's relics) at Jungdae, one of the five peaks of Odaesan, enshrining the Buddha's relics.
For a while, the stone pagoda and Bodhisattva statue in front of Jeokgwangjeon Hall, Woljeongsa's main hall, were under construction behind a screen. But when I went this time, I was happy to see that they had been renovated and opened to the public.
The Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda in front of Jeokgwangjeon Hall is considered a work of art, a beautiful stone pagoda.
Although it is said to have been built by Jajang Yulsa of Silla, it appears to follow the style of stone pagodas from the Goryeo Dynasty.
The Buddha's relics are enshrined within. It stands 15.2 meters tall, dating back to the early Goryeo Dynasty (10th century), and is National Treasure No. 48.
In front of the Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda enshrining the Buddha's relics is a stone seated Bodhisattva statue, kneeling on its right knee, with both hands gathered in reverence.
With a gentle smile on its lips, it gazes at the Buddha, its right knee lowered to show humility and the utmost respect.
The statue is 1.8 meters tall and is National Treasure No. 48-2.
The path leading to the lower parking lot connects to the Fir Tree Path of Woljeongsa. During this trip, I didn't walk the Fir Tree Path and only saw the grounds of Woljeongsa.
So, I crossed the upper bridge to enter Woljeongsa.
The pillars of the bridge leading to Woljeongsa are carved with the twelve zodiac animals.
I had only looked up at the upper bridge from the lower bridge every time, but this time I had the experience of looking down from the upper bridge.
Although it had rained, the water in the valley was not plentiful.
The Woljeongsa Beomjongru (Bell Pavilion) was under construction.
A new platform was being built around the pavilion.
I bowed halfway with my hands clasped towards Jeokgwangjeon Hall and stood there for a moment, gazing at it.
The scene full of tents and iron pillars has disappeared, and I'm glad to see the Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda and the Bodhisattva statue completely renovated.
Jeokgwangjeon, located where the energy of Manwolsan Mountain gathers, is a large Dharma hall with five kan (sections between pillars) in the front and four kan on the sides.
Built in the paljak (hip-and-gable) roof style with a multi-cluster bracket system, it even has a majestic feel.
While most temples enshrine Vairocana Buddha in Jeokgwangjeon Hall, it is also worth noting that Woljeongsa's Jeokgwangjeon enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha.
The signboard and columns of Jeokgwangjeon are handwritten by Master Tanheo.
The Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda has a two-story foundation with lotus patterns, a stable pagoda body, and bronze decorations on the finial, making it a beautiful and well-harmonized stone pagoda.
Small lanterns, each containing its own wish, hang on the tree in front of Jeokgwangjeon Hall.
Instead of hanging a lantern, I clasped my hands together and made a separate wish towards Jeokgwangjeon Hall.
Jinyeonggak is a hall where high monks such as the founder or restorer are enshrined, but Woljeongsa's Jinyeonggak enshrines modern and contemporary monks.
This is because the founder is enshrined separately in the Gaesanjogak (Founder's Shrine) next to it.
Gaesanjogak is located behind Jeokgwangjeon Hall and has a gable roof with five kan in the front and two kan on the sides.
Jajang Yulsa, who founded Woljeongsa, is enshrined here.
Woljeongsa Samseonggak (Three Saints Shrine) enshrines Dokseong Nabanjonja (lonely saint), the Mountain Spirit, and the Seven Stars!!
This is a representative example of Buddhism's inclusiveness and absorption of folk beliefs as Buddhism entered Korea.
Muryangsajeon Hall is a hall enshrining Amitabha Buddha and is also called Sugwangjeon or Geungnakjeon.
Woljeongsa Sugwangjeon enshrines Amitabha Buddha and Gwanseeum Bosal (Avalokiteśvara) and Daeseji Bosal (Mahasthamaprapta) on either side.
As time passes, more and more people come.
Many Buddhists visit Woljeongsa, but it is also a popular tourist destination.
It is a famous tourist attraction in Gangwon-do that is visited by people of all ages.
The Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda enshrines the Buddha's relics, and the Bodhisattva statue kneels towards the pagoda, showing the utmost respect!
Several people were circumambulating the pagoda and making wishes.
Woljeongsa's Geumgangnu Pavilion is located past the Four Heavenly Kings Gate.
Woljeongsa has the Geumgang Gate in place of the Bulimun (Gate of Non-Duality).
At the Geumgang Gate, Narayeon Geumgang (Naraeon Diamond Warrior), also known as Umgeumgangyeoksasang, and Miljeok Geumgang (Secret Trace Diamond Warrior), also known as Heunggeumgangyeoksasang, hold diamond clubs and guard the Buddha.
Entering through the Heavenly Kings Gate, there is Cheongnyu Dawon, Woljeongsa's tea house, on the left.
It's a good place to take a break and have a cup of tea.
Odaesan Woljeongsa Temple in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, is a great place to visit anytime!
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