A Journey to Goesan: Discovering Chaeunam Temple Amidst the Splendor of Hwayang Valley

reply 0 hit 49 date 25-12-04 00:00

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A Must-Visit Place in Goesan County

Nestled within the scenic mountains and valleys of Goesan's Hwayang Valley lies Chaeunam Temple, a place steeped in history. This small temple boasts stunning views and a fascinating story. Legend says that it was founded in 1277 during the reign of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo by the monk Doil. The temple has undergone relocations, renovations, and reconstructions due to fires, and its name has changed several times throughout its history. Today, it stands as a sanctuary preserving two cultural heritage sites amidst the breathtaking scenery of the renowned Hwayang Valley.

Chaeunam Temple is accessible via a hillside path next to Neungun Cliff in Hwayang Valley. The short 10-minute walk from the entrance is highly recommended. After navigating a couple of turns, Chaeunam Temple emerges, framed by a backdrop of pine forest.

The temple is a modest complex consisting of the main hall (Daeungjeon), a mountain spirit shrine (Sansingak), living quarters (Yosachae), and a stone pagoda. Initially named Sudoam when founded by Monk Doil during the reign of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo, it was renamed Chaeunam by Monk Hyesik during the reign of King Gwanghaegun of Joseon. Later, Monk Hyeil founded Hwansangsa Temple at the current location during the 4th year of King Hyojong's reign. After being destroyed by arson by Japanese soldiers at the end of the Korean Empire, and then buried by a flood in 1948, the two temples were combined to form the Chaeunam Temple that stands today.

In front of Chaeunam Temple's main hall, a stone pagoda resembling Dabotap stands against a backdrop of magnificent mountain ridges. The peaks of Galmibong, Domyeongsan, Garyeongsan, and Nagyeongsan create a picturesque scene. The overlapping ridges offer diverse views depending on the perspective. Despite being just a short climb up the hill, the temple feels secluded and tranquil, inviting moments of contemplation.

Chaeunam Temple preserves two cultural heritage sites: the Daeungjeon (main hall) and the wooden seated statue of Buddha enshrined within. The Daeungjeon is a three-bay front and three-bay side structure with a hip-and-gable roof. Dragon and yellow dragon sculptures adorn the upper parts of the columns on both sides of the central bay and on the inner side extensions. During renovations, inscriptions were discovered.

The main hall of Chaeunam Temple has a simple, square layout, serving as the temple's center, with the living quarters and stone pagoda arranged on either side.

Inside, you'll find the wooden seated statue of Buddha, the temple's second cultural asset. This Joseon-era wooden Buddha statue, which possesses a record detailing its creation, is enshrined as the main Buddha in the Daeungjeon. The record indicates that it was created in the fifth lunar month of 1723 at Gilsangsa Temple.

Both the Daeungjeon and the wooden seated statue of Buddha at Chaeunam Temple offer a sense of unpretentious comfort to visitors.

Behind the Daeungjeon, nestled among the trees, is the Sansingak (mountain spirit shrine). This shrine, dedicated to the mountain spirit, marks the second structure in this deep mountain valley temple. The temple is surrounded by lush pine, oak, and cork oak trees. The question of how a temple was founded here from the Goryeo to the Joseon Dynasty inspires a sense of wonder.

The temple also offers charming views between its various buildings. Vines rooted in large rocks add beauty with their autumn colors, and small and large Buddha statues are placed among the rocks. A three-story stone pagoda is built on a large rock foundation, adding a touch of splendor to the simple buildings.

Goesan's Chaeunam Temple is one of 31 temples nationwide that operate the Seon meditation program of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. As the only temple in North Chungcheong Province to offer this program, it promotes mental health and the spread of Seon meditation culture. The first session was held from September 24th to 26th, and the second session is scheduled for November 14th to 16th. Spending two nights and three days in a quiet temple surrounded by Goesan's beautiful scenery is a delightful prospect.

At Goesan Chaeunam Temple, the simple scenery soothes the mind, and the beautiful nature excites the heart.

[How to get there]

Goesan Chaeunam Temple: 30, Hwayangdong 2-gil, Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do