Beomeosa Temple - 범어사

Introduction

Beomeosa temple is located at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, a famous mountain in Busan. About 1,300 years ago it was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661~681) of the Silla Kingdom (the kingdom mainly occupied the Gyeongsang-do Province region in 678 A.D). In the geography book 'Donggukyeojiseungram' the origin of Beomeosa Temple is written as follows: "There is a well on the top of Mt. Geumjeongsan and the water of that well is gold. The golden fish in the well rode the colorful clouds and came down from the sky. This why the mountain is named Geumsaem (gold well) and the temple is named 'fish from heaven'."

The original Beomeosa Temple building wast lost during Imjinwaeran Invasion (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592) but was renovated in 1713, which remains as it now is. Daeungjeon is one of the most delicate, and luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). There is Iljumun; the three story pagoda with four pillars, built in the 9th century, and seven royal palace wings, pavilions, three gates, and evelen hermitages. Designated as a natural monument, the wisteria woods and valleys are most beautiful in May.

Treasures

• Treasure 250 - Three Story Stone Pagoda. This pagoda dates back to the Unifiede Shilla era probably erected as part of the original temple that was destroyed by fire in 1592. Only the top three-stories are from the Shilla where the base and fence are later additions.
• Treasure 434 - Daeungjeon, the main temple hall, was built in 1614 after the temple was burned down during the Japanese invasion of 1592. Major renovations of Daeungjeon were undertaken in 1713, 1814, and 1871.
• Tangible Cultural Asset 2 - Iljumun. The first gate to the temple, called the "One Pillar Gate" because when viewed from the side the gate appears to be supported by a single pillar, symbolizing the one true path of enlightenment, supporting the world.
• Tangible Cultural Asset 11 and 12 - Wonhyoam Eastern Pagoda and Wonhyoam Western Pagoda. Wonhyoam (hermitage) is located to the south of Beomeosa and is the site of these two pagodas. This the site of the former residence of the famous Shilla monk, Wonhyo.
• Tangible Cultural Asset 15 - Flag Pole Holder. These two very old stone structures, called a jiju, were used to support a flagpole between them. The stones are found on the path up to Beomeosa's main gate.
• Tangible Cultural Asset 16 - Stone Lamp. This lamp dates back to the Unified Shilla era and was part of the original temple that was destroyed by fire in 1592.

Hermitages

• Chungryungam (Blue Lotus Hermitage)
• Naewonam (Buddha's Celestial Teaching Hall Hermitage)
• Kyemyongam (Rooster's Crow Hermitage)
• Daesongam (Great Saint Hermitage)
• Geumgangam (Diamond Hermitage)
• Anyangam (Peace Nurturing Hermitage)
• Mirukam (Maitreya Hermitage)
• Wonhyoam (Former hermitage residence of the famous monk, Wpnhyo)
• Sajaam (Lion Hermitage)
• Mansongam (Great Teacher Hermitage)
• Chijangam (Ksitigarbha Hermitage)

Activity Information

Main program

• Ceremonial service (Yebul)
• Talk with a monk
• Zen meditation (Chamseon)
• 108 Buddhist beads threading
• 108 bows
• Tour to hermitages
• Tea ceremony (Dahdo)
• Community work (Ulyeok)
• Communal buddhist meal service (Balwoo gongyang)

Operating hours

08:30~17:30

Address

546, Cheongryong-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan-si

부산광역시 금정구 범어사로 250 (청룡동)

Local Transportation

Subway + Bus: At Beomeosa Station (Busan Subway line no. 1) Exit no. 5 or no. 7, walk between the two exits along the road for about 5 min. and you will reach the Samsin bus stop. Take bus no. 90 and you will arrive at Beomeosa Temple Ticket Office.

Take bus no. 37, 47, 48, 49-1, 50, 50-1, 80-1, 147, 148, 247, or 301, get off at the last stop and take bus no. 90

Taxi takes 5~10 min.

Homepage

Beomeosa (Korean, English)

Video

Source: Visit Korea, Wikipedia, Beomeosa, 혜암, Panoramio, The View From Over Here