Haeinsa
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Haeinsa is a prominent Buddhist temple located in Gayasan National Park, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Established in 802 AD, it serves as the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Seon Buddhism and represents the Dharma, or Buddha's teachings, as one of the Three Jewels Temples. The temple is most famous for preserving the Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of 81,350 wooden printing blocks containing the entire Buddhist scriptures, housed in the Janggyeong Panjeon complex. This complex is notable for its ingenious architectural design dedicated specifically to the preservation of these sacred texts, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status alongside the temple itself. Haeinsa's main hall, Daejeokkwangjeon, uniquely honors Vairocana Buddha, differing from typical Korean temples. The temple complex also includes other significant halls such as Beopbojeon and Sudara-jang, and it holds numerous national treasures including wooden carvings, Buddhist paintings, stone pagodas, and lanterns. Throughout history, Haeinsa has been a center of Buddhist practice and culture, associated with influential monks like Seongcheol. It remains an active religious site and offers temple stay programs for visitors seeking spiritual experience. The temple's remarkable survival through fires and wartime threats, including a notable incident during the Korean War where a pilot disobeyed orders to bomb the site, adds to its historical significance and cultural reverence.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Advance tickets or reservations for temple stay programs are recommended to ensure availability. Entry to Haeinsa has been free since May 2023, but donations are appreciated to support preservation efforts. The temple is accessible by public transport and offers guided tours to enrich the visitor experience. Modest dress and respectful behavior are expected due to the temple's religious significance.
Interesting facts
- •The Tripitaka Koreana consists of 81,350 wooden printing blocks and is considered one of the most complete and accurate Buddhist canons globally.
- •The Janggyeong Panjeon storage halls are among the largest wooden structures in the world and have survived multiple fires and wartime threats.
- •During the Korean War, Air Force Colonel Kim Young-hwan defied orders to bomb Haeinsa, preserving the temple and its treasures.
- •Haeinsa is one of the Three Jewels Temples of Korea, representing the Dharma, or Buddha's teachings.
- •The main hall, Daejeokkwangjeon, is dedicated to Vairocana Buddha, which is unusual for Korean temples that typically enshrine Gautama Buddha.
History
Haeinsa was founded in 802 AD during the Unified Silla period, reportedly initiated by two monks who healed the queen, leading to royal patronage for the temple's construction.
Over the centuries, it underwent multiple renovations, notably in the 10th century, 1488, 1622, and 1644.
The temple was destroyed by fire in 1817 and rebuilt in 1818.
The Janggyeong Panjeon storage halls, which house the Tripitaka Koreana, were expanded in 1457 under King Sejo of Joseon.
During the Korean War, Haeinsa was nearly bombed but was spared due to the refusal of a commanding pilot.
The temple has since been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical importance.
Place Guide
Janggyeong Panjeon (Tripitaka Koreana Depositories)15th century (expanded 1457)
This complex of four wooden storage halls is dedicated to preserving the Tripitaka Koreana printing blocks. The halls are architecturally designed to maintain optimal conditions for the woodblocks, using natural ventilation and humidity control techniques. They are the oldest part of the temple and have survived fires and war unscathed.
Daejeokkwangjeon (Main Hall)Rebuilt after 1818 fire
The main hall of Haeinsa, dedicated to Vairocana Buddha, known as the Hall of Great Silence and Light. It houses a notable wooden statue of Vairocana Buddha and is the focal point for worship and ceremonies.
Daebirojeon (Hall of Twin Vairocana Buddhas)Unified Silla period (approx. 9th century)
This hall enshrines the twin statues of Vairocana Buddha, discovered to be from the Unified Silla period, confirmed through inscriptions and scientific analysis in 2005.
Contact
Phone: 055-934-3152
