Discovering the Beauty of Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon: Crimson Spider Lilies and Autumn Foliage
I'd like to introduce Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon, a fantastic destination in October, renowned for its stunning crimson spider lilies and vibrant autumn foliage.
Jikjisa Temple
Admission: Free / Parking: Free
Gimcheon Jikjisa Temple boasts a well-maintained public parking area, and parking is free wherever you find a spot within the public parking zone.
From the entrance, the autumn scenery is truly breathtaking.
Legend has it that Jikjisa Temple was founded in the second year of King Bulji of the Silla Dynasty (418 AD) by the monk Ado. The name 'Jikji' originates from the Seon (Zen) Buddhist teaching of 'Jikjiinsim Gyeonseongseongbul,' which means 'pointing directly to the human mind, seeing one's nature and becoming a Buddha.'
東國一伽藍 黃巖山直指寺門 (Dongguk Ilgaram Hwangaksan Jikjisa Mun)
This phrase, meaning "The gate of Jikjisa Temple on Hwangaksan Mountain, the foremost temple in the East," symbolizes Jikjisa's significance as one of Korea's representative Buddhist temples.
I fondly recall my visit last October, where I was captivated by the beautiful crimson spider lilies.
This was also a great photo spot where I took many memorable pictures with my sisters amid the spider lilies.
Gimcheon Jikjisa Temple is famous not only for its crimson spider lilies in autumn but also for its spectacular fall foliage.
The harmony between the serene temple and the colorful foliage was so stunning that I revisited last October to see the autumn leaves after initially coming for the spider lilies.
The baby maple leaves were such a deep red that they seemed to stain your hands red at any moment.
Passing through Daeyangmun Gate, I headed towards Daeungjeon Hall.
After passing Manseru Pavilion at Jikjisa Temple, you will arrive directly at Daeungjeon Hall.
Manseru, one of Jikjisa's prominent pavilions, means "Flourish for ten thousand years," symbolizing the wish for the peace of the temple, the nation, and the eternity of Buddhism.
Manseru Pavilion was a place where visitors to Jikjisa took photos or rested briefly, enjoying the peaceful scenery.
Daeungjeon Hall at Jikjisa Temple houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. Standing in the courtyard in front of Daeungjeon, you'll find yourself naturally bringing your hands together in prayer amidst the tranquil sounds of mountain birds.
Beyond Daeungjeon Hall lies the maple tree path of Jikjisa Temple, one of the Eight Scenic Views of Gimcheon.
Maple trees are scattered throughout the temple grounds, and the maple tunnel leading from Daeungjeon Hall to Birojeon Hall is renowned for its intense red hues.
Many people enjoy the autumn season here, immersing themselves in the beauty of the fall foliage and pausing for a while.
The maple path where the red leaves sing and dance was incredibly beautiful.
Even the fallen leaves scattered on the ground added to the romantic atmosphere.
The barefoot Hwangto (red clay) path was also tinged with fallen maple leaves. Looking at the red-tinted maple leaves, I briefly felt like a woman in autumn, forgetting my age. I took pictures under the fluttering leaves and spent time in contemplation while sitting on a bench.
The small pond beneath the maple tree path was filled with fallen autumn leaves, creating a colorful and beautiful scene that allowed me to fully enjoy the autumn season.
Oyu Jojok (吾唯知足) means that happiness comes from knowing your place and being content with little. A sip of spring water filled my heart with happiness.
"My practice is forgiveness." This phrase, like a desperate cry from the rolling fallen leaves, was etched in my mind.
It seems to suggest the need to understand that beauty returns to the earth as fallen leaves when it fades. I was reminded that we should live wisely, seeking peace of mind through forgiveness while we are alive.
In front of Birojeon Hall, surrounded by the Three-Story Stone Pagoda of Docheonsaji Temple in Mungyeong, I saw many wishing lanterns and added my own wish to one.
Now that I've organized the fall foliage pictures from Gimcheon Jikjisa Temple last year, I want to go back again this year.
According to BBS NEWS, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism Social Welfare Foundation will hold a meeting temple stay called 'I am a Temple, Jikjisa' at Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do for two days from October 24th to 25th against the backdrop of the beautiful autumn foliage of Hwangaksan Mountain and Jikjisa Temple. It is said that at 'I am a Temple, Shinheungsa', 6 out of 12 participating couples formed relationships. I hope that even more relationships will be formed at Jikjisa this time.
I also took a stroll in Samyeongdaesa Park nearby.
Samyeongdaesa Park is even more famous as it is known as the filming location for the popular program 'I am Solo'.
You can see the Peace Tower of Samyeongdaesa Park, one of the Eight Scenic Views of Gimcheon, along with the water mill.
The Peace Tower was even more magnificent and majestic up close. This wooden pagoda is the tallest in Korea, reaching 41.2m in height. The interior had video materials about the making of the Peace Tower and exhibits related to Samyeongdaesa, but I skipped the interior and only saw the exterior.
Cafe Solhyang
Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM
Behind the Peace Tower, there is a cafe called Solhyang Dawon where I enjoyed a moment of rest.
There were many seats outdoors in a Hanok (traditional Korean house) style, but it was chilly, so I found a seat inside.
It is a Hanok cafe with a counter and an antique atmosphere inside.
If you order a drink and go inside, you can sit in a prime location with a view of the Peace Tower and Jikjisa Temple.
The view of Samyeongdaesa Park and the Peace Tower through the large windows was truly amazing.
I ordered a drink and sat by the window, taking pictures and spending a relaxing time. The daytime scenery is wonderful, but the cafe is also popular for its stunning night view, making it a famous photo spot. There were so many things to see, it wasn't enough to just see Jikjisa Temple and go on a Hanok cafe tour in one day.
I recommend Gimcheon Jikjisa Temple, beautiful with its crimson spider lilies and autumn foliage, as an autumn travel destination worth visiting in October.
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