The Beauty of Cherry Blossoms at Gwancheoksa Temple
The recent refreshing rain has caused the world to begin blooming in vibrant shades of green. As spring arrives, the first flowers to catch the eye are the mountain cornus and plum blossoms, followed by the radiant magnolias within the walls, and finally, the cherry blossoms have begun to burst into bloom. The saying that cherry blossoms pop like popcorn may sound clichéd, but there seems to be no better expression for it. The top spot for cherry blossoms in Nonsan is undoubtedly Gwancheoksa Temple. The long road leading to Gwancheoksa is lined with beautiful cherry trees, making Nonsan-daero a new cherry blossom hotspot.
▲ Gwancheoksa Temple Stone Maitreya Statue
Gwancheoksa, with its rich history and the National Treasure designated Eunjin Maitreya, does not attract many visitors. Although the temple is large and offers many sights, the geographical conditions of the low Banya Mountain and its small size may contribute to this. However, when the cherry blossoms bloom in early April, the area in front of the temple’s gate becomes crowded with flower enthusiasts. Thanks to the cherry blossoms, this time of year provides a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature.
▲ Cherry Blossom Hotspot, Gwancheoksa Temple Entrance
Passing through the entrance gate, we head towards Gwancheoksa. The ticket booth has closed as entry is free, and next to it is the home of a cultural tourism guide. If there are group visits, a heritage interpreter can accompany you upon request. During the peak bloom, passing through the Four Heavenly Kings Gate leads to a new floral world. The world is adorned with fresh green shoots, and the path on the right side of the gate is filled with blooming forsythia, showcasing its vibrant yellow flowers.
▲ Gwancheoksa Temple Four Heavenly Kings Gate
As we ascend the stairs, forsythia flourishes atop the temple wall on the right. Thanks to the white cherry blossoms and yellow forsythia, Gwancheoksa resembles a floral palace. Banya Mountain, where Gwancheoksa is located, is relatively low, and the path to the temple is short, taking only about ten minutes, though the stairs require a bit of effort.
▲ Gwancheoksa Temple Cherry Blossoms and Forsythia
Upon reaching the area below Banya Ru, stories related to Gwancheoksa are illustrated in comic form. Gwancheoksa was founded in 968 by Hyemyeong and completed in 1006, making it over 1100 years old. Upon entering the grounds, the Dae-gwangbojeon is directly in front, with the Maitreya Hall to the right. Since this visit is for flower viewing, I venture out to find the blossoms rather than focusing on the temple buildings. To the left of Dae-gwangbojeon, cherry blossoms bloom vibrantly along the walking path.
▲ Gwancheoksa Temple Grounds
Next to the Maitreya Hall stands the massive Eunjin Maitreya, officially known as the 'Gwancheoksa Stone Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue,' commonly referred to as Eunjin Maitreya. This stone statue, created around 1100 years ago, is designated as National Treasure No. 323. In front of it are the Gwancheoksa Stone Pagoda, the Ritual Stone, and the Gwancheoksa Stone Lantern, all aligned in a row.
▲ Gwancheoksa Temple Grounds
As the cherry blossoms bloom, the Eunjin Maitreya appears to be inhaling the floral fragrance. With an indifferent yet solemn expression, the statue captivates the attention of children who climbed the stairs alongside me. Even those who are not Buddhists may find themselves wishing for something while gazing at this grand stone Buddha.
▲ Gwancheoksa Temple
From the highest point of Gwancheoksa, the Samsunggak, the entire temple grounds are visible at a glance. The toes of the Eunjin Maitreya can be seen, and beyond the temple's structures lies the expansive fields of Nonsan and the distant peaks of Gyeryongsan. Spring days with clear blue skies are rare, but on a good day, Gyeryongsan feels close enough to touch.
Returning, I descended through the stone gate, Hae-talmun. During my time at the temple, it felt as if all my worries had been resolved. However, stepping out of Hae-talmun, I once again become a part of the world’s stories.
The cherry blossoms above the entrance gate are still in the early stages, with many buds waiting to bloom. By this weekend, it seems likely that the blossoms will be in full bloom, allowing us to enjoy one of the most beautiful seasons of the year for about a week.
This weekend through mid-next week, the cherry blossoms in Nonsan are expected to reach their peak. A drive along Gwancheok-ro or a stroll along the cherry blossom path in front of Gwancheoksa Temple would be delightful. I highly recommend visiting Gwancheoksa Temple for its cherry blossoms.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224241040835
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