Beopjusa Temple
Chungcheongbuk-do
Beopjusa Temple, located in North Chungcheong Province within Songnisan National Park, is a significant head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Founded in 553 by the Silla monk Uisin, it was named 'Residence of Dharma' due to the Indian sutras he brought back. The temple complex comprises over 60 buildings and 70 hermitages, including the Palsangjeon, Korea's tallest wooden pagoda, which uniquely retains its original form after reconstruction in 1624 following destruction during the Japanese invasions. Historically, Beopjusa was a vibrant monastic center, housing up to 3,000 monks during the Goryeo period, with surviving facilities like a cistern and an iron pot for communal use. It holds numerous cultural treasures, including national treasures, tangible cultural heritage items, and natural monuments. The temple also preserves the Folding Screen of Celestial Charts, an internationally valuable artifact depicting 3,083 stars, reflecting Korea's historical astronomical knowledge. Beopjusa remains culturally significant, hosting unique shrines such as the prayer shrine for Royal Concubine Yeongbin, and it was originally selected as a filming location for Bruce Lee's 'Game of Death.' The temple is a living testament to Korea's Buddhist history, architecture, and cultural heritage.
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Tip: Visitors should consider visiting during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Pre-booking for temple stay programs is recommended to experience monastic life authentically. Entrance tickets may offer discounts for groups, students, or seniors. Early arrival helps avoid crowds, especially at the Palsangjeon pagoda. Comfortable walking shoes are advised due to the temple's expansive grounds and mountainous location.
Interesting facts
- •Palsangjeon is the only wooden pagoda in Korea that has preserved its original appearance and is designated National Treasure No. 55.
- •The Folding Screen of Celestial Charts at Beopjusa depicts 3,083 stars and 300 constellations, making it the largest and most accurate celestial chart created by Jesuit scholar I. Koegler and his Korean students.
- •Beopjusa was initially chosen as the filming location for Bruce Lee's movie 'Game of Death,' with the pagoda's five floors representing different martial arts styles.
- •The temple grounds include a mysterious stone pot partially buried in the ground, speculated by legend to have been used for storing kimchi.
- •During the Goryeo period, Beopjusa housed as many as 3,000 monks, with surviving communal facilities like an iron pot and cistern.
History
Beopjusa Temple was established in 553 by the monk Uisin during the Silla dynasty, named for its role as a repository of Indian Buddhist sutras.
It flourished in the Goryeo period, supporting thousands of monks and becoming a major religious center.
The temple suffered destruction during the Japanese invasions of Korea but was rebuilt, including the reconstruction of the Palsangjeon pagoda in 1624.
During the Joseon dynasty, state support for Buddhism waned, leading to a decline in the temple’s size and influence.
Nonetheless, it retained cultural and historical importance, with royal connections such as King Taejo's retirement nearby and the establishment of prayer shrines for royal concubines.
Place Guide
Palsangjeon Wooden Pagoda1624
This five-story wooden pagoda is Korea’s tallest and the only one retaining its original form, rebuilt in 1624 after destruction in war. It is a National Treasure and a symbol of Korean Buddhist architecture.
Huigyeon Bosal Statue
Enshrined in an open hall on four sides, this beautiful Bodhisattva statue (Sudarsana) stands on a foundation stone and carries an incense burner on its head, symbolizing eternal devotion to Buddha.
Folding Screen of Celestial Charts18th century
An extensive and accurate astronomical chart featuring 300 constellations and over 3,000 stars, created by Korean scholars based on Jesuit maps from 1723, reflecting Korea's historical engagement with astronomy.
Seonhuigung Wondang Prayer Shrine
A unique shrine dedicated to Yeongbin of the Yi Clan, a royal concubine of King Yeongjo, unusual for being located within a Buddhist temple rather than a royal ancestral complex.
Stone Pot Artifact
A partially buried stone sculpture shaped like an earthen pot whose original purpose is unknown, though legend suggests it was used to store kimchi.
Contact
Phone: 043-543-3615
