Exploring the Serene Beauty of Guinsa Temple in Danyang
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reflect while walking through tranquil forest paths, Guinsa Temple, hidden in the deep valleys of Danyang, North Chungcheong Province, is an excellent choice. Nestled beneath the serene Yeonhwa Peak of Sobaeksan Mountain, this site attracts many visitors with its blend of grand modern architectural aesthetics and religious solemnity.
As the center of the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism, Guinsa Temple offers free admission for visitors, significantly reducing their costs. Even if you drive, you only need to pay a flat parking fee of 3,000 KRW for passenger cars, making it popular among families planning a cost-effective healing outing on weekends.
Upon entering, you are greeted by an exotic and majestic landscape that starkly contrasts with traditional temples. To efficiently utilize the narrow and steep mountainous terrain, the buildings are designed in a unique vertical architectural style, providing a distinctive visual experience akin to exploring a massive Hanok fortress or castle.
Covering an area of 15,014 square meters, over 50 large concrete and wooden structures are densely packed, resembling a maze. The temple boasts a large modern kitchen and facilities capable of accommodating over 10,000 people simultaneously, showcasing its remarkable stature.
One cannot miss the essential viewing points within the temple grounds, particularly the five-story Daejeong Hall, which embodies the spirit of Sangwol Won-gak, the founder of the temple. Built on the historic site where the founder first constructed Samganchoam and engaged in intense practice, this hall can accommodate 5,000 people at once, making it one of the largest in Asia.
Another must-see is the large stone tablet inscribed with the core teachings that the founder imparted to his followers throughout his life. The profound Buddhist principles and truths of life contained in the Tripitaka are summarized in accessible phrases on the grand monument, inviting visitors to pause and reflect.
The most touching aspect for travelers visiting Guinsa Temple is the humble and neat temple food offered in the dining area. Every day, meals are served at set times: breakfast around 6 AM, lunch from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and dinner from 6 PM to 7 PM, free of charge to the public.
This meal is not just a free offering but is part of the Buddhist practice of Balwoo Gongyang. Visitors are expected to finish their meals without waste and clean their dishes afterward, adhering to strict temple rules and respectful manners.
For those concerned about physical exertion, it is advisable to check the shuttle bus schedule. Upon arriving at the ticket booth and parking area, a steep hill leads to the Iljumun, the official starting point for temple tours. Walking this uphill path takes about 15 minutes, so families with young children or seniors should consider taking the free shuttle bus available for visitors.
Using the shuttle bus allows you to bypass the steep incline in just three minutes, conserving energy for your temple tour. However, note that the bus does not operate from 10:40 AM to 12 PM due to the drivers' lunch break, so plan your visit accordingly.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/tour_toctoc/224379800734
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