Woljeongsa Temple
Gangwon-do
Woljeongsa Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Odaesan Mountain in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province, South Korea. Established in 643 by the Silla monk Jajang Yulsa, it serves as a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and is revered as a holy site of Manjushri Bodhisattva. The temple complex is nestled within a serene forest of fir trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere for visitors and practitioners alike. Architecturally, Woljeongsa is notable for its unique layout, where the main pagoda stands adjacent to auxiliary buildings rather than in a linear arrangement typical of the Silla period. Among its cultural treasures are the National Treasures: the Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda, a 12th-century multi-storied stone pagoda standing 15 meters tall, and the Stone Seated Bodhisattva statue from the 11th century, both exemplifying early Goryeo Buddhist art. The temple also houses the Seongbo Museum, which preserves numerous relics and documents related to Korean Buddhism. Woljeongsa offers visitors spiritual programs such as templestay and meditation, inviting a deep cultural and religious experience amid its natural and historical beauty.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Woljeongsa Temple is during spring and autumn for pleasant weather and vivid natural scenery. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets for templestay programs and museum entry in advance to ensure availability. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and students. The temple is accessible via public transport and has facilities to support visitors, including guided tours and meditation classes.
Faits intéressants
- •The Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda is 15 meters tall and dates back to the 12th century, representing early Goryeo multi-storied pagoda architecture.
- •Relics including a silver-gilt standing Buddha statue were discovered inside the pagoda during restoration in 1970.
- •The Stone Seated Bodhisattva statue in front of the pagoda is a replica; the original is preserved in the Seongbo Museum.
- •Woljeongsa was burned down during the Korean War on orders from both U.S. and South Korean generals for strategic reasons.
- •The temple is surrounded by a fir tree forest that won the highest award at the 12th Beautiful Forest Competition hosted by Korea Forest Service.
Histoire
Woljeongsa Temple was founded in 643 during the reign of Queen Seondeok by the monk Jajang Yulsa, who named it after the bright full moon rising over Dongdaesan Mountain.
The temple endured multiple destructions by fire, notably in 1307 and 1833, and was rebuilt each time by devoted monks.
During the Korean War, strategic military decisions led to the burning of the temple buildings except for the stone pagoda.
Reconstruction efforts resumed in the mid-20th century, restoring the temple to its current form.
Over the centuries, Woljeongsa has evolved into a significant religious and cultural center, preserving numerous national treasures and fostering Buddhist practice.
Guide du lieu
Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda12th century
A 12th-century national treasure standing 15 meters tall, this polygonal stone pagoda exemplifies early Goryeo multi-storied pagoda style and houses important relics discovered during restoration.
Stone Seated Bodhisattva Statue11th century
An 11th-century statue believed to represent Medicine Buddha, originally found near the temple and now displayed as a replica in front of the pagoda, with the original kept in the Seongbo Museum.
Seongbo Museum1999
Museum established in 1999 to manage and exhibit cultural properties from Woljeongsa and 60 other temples in the Jogye Order's 4th parish, including relics from the pagoda and Buddhist artifacts.
Fir Tree Forest
A dense fir forest surrounding the temple grounds, awarded the highest prize in Korea's 12th Beautiful Forest Competition, offering a peaceful natural environment for visitors.
Contact
Téléphone: 033-339-6800
