Guryong-sa Temple (Gangwon-do, Tangible Heritage No.24) is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Korea. It is 6km from Birobong.
History
Guryong-sa was founded by Great Master (Daesa) Uisang in the 8th year of King Munmu’ reign during the Silla Dynasty. One of the “hidden treasure” temples of National Teacher (Guksa) Doseon, who lived from the end of Silla to the beginning of Goryeo, the temple shows the remaining marks of many monks of high virtue. Guryongsa and Chiaksan have interesting legends richly entwined in their history, such as the story of Great Master Uisang and the nine dragons of the waterfall, and the legend of a magpie who repaid an obligation.
Because Guryong-sa was constructed on top of a pond where nine dragons allegedly had lived, it was originally called the “Nine Dragons Temple” (pronounced Guryong-sa). Then in the Joseon Dynasty, a legend arose that there was some connection between the turtle-shaped rock at the entrance and the rise and fall of the temple, so the name was changed to the “Turtle Dragon Temple” (also pronounced Guryongsa).
What to see
The temple is located on Chiaksan Mountain in Hakgok 2-ri, Socho-myeon in the city of Wonju, and boasts the finest scenery in the area, with its unique woodland paths of fine pine trees.
The Guryongsa valley has refreshing water flowing all year round, and the abundant forest is surrounding the deep and tranquil stream. It takes about an hour’s walk from the entrance to the temple. This beautiful road is surrounded by thick forest, so you can enjoy the walk in cool air even in the hottest summer.
Near Guryongsa are the Turtle Rock and the Dragon Waterfall. If you ascend past the temple, you’ll see other scenery spreading out, such as the Guryong Waterfall, the Guryong Pond, the Nymph Bath, the Seryeom Waterfall, etc. There are pine trees and broad leaf trees densely packed together in the temple area. During the Joseon Dynasty, these thick old trees were used to build the royal palace. Guyongsa has many buildings, most notably the Main Buddha Hall (Daeungjeon) and the Bogwangru Pavilion. The straw mat that once covered the pavilion’s floor was known to be the largest of its kind in Korea.
The Main Buddha Hall (Daeungjeon)
The front of Daeungjeon is composed of three sections, totaling 56 pyeong. The inner doors are two-layered with the engraving of dragons. The detailed finish is surely one of the masterpieces of Buddhist architecture. Rather than of metal nails, wooden pegs were used to hold the building together. The straw-woven rug in Bogwangru, which is said to have been completed in 3 months by 3 workers, is the largest straw-woven rug in Korea.
Bogwangru
Bogwangru literally means the All-Pervasive Light Pavilion. It is situated halfway up the slope of Chiaksan Mountain, and functions as the Gate of Non-Dualism (Burimun) for Guryongsa. It you walk from the entrance to pass through the Four Heavenly Kings Gate (Sacheonwangmun) and Bogwangru, you will come out in front of the Main Buddha Hall. The front of the pavilion is made up of 5 sections (kan), while the sides have 2 sections each. It follows the ikgong style; the ornate supporting panels (po) between the rafters and the ceiling are installed only on top of the columns, and the po is ornamentally shaped like bird wings. It also has a matbae roof, which is a simpler design of traditional Korean roofs; the roof’s front is rectangular, while its side is simply slanted in the shape of the Chinese character ?. It lacks the protruding corners of typical Korean eaves. The stereobate at the bottom was constructed of natural stone, on top of which slightly bulging supporting columns were put. The pavilion is standing on top of these columns.
The pavilion opens up to the main courtyard in front of the Main Buddha Hall. The columns of the pavilion are plainer and less imposing than the supporting columns below the building. Its ceiling and wooden floor have a crosshatch design. This floor was once covered with the largest straw mat in all of Korea. Bogwangru lies on a steep slope and faces east, which is typical of temple construction after the mid-Joseon period. The pavilion divides the space hierarchically, between the upper temple area and the lower secular area, and serves as the entranceway to the main courtyard. While the Main Buddha Hall and the residential buildings (Yosachae) are in a horizontal line, the pavilion is positioned lengthwise on the courtyard, and thus sets the boundary for the temple area.
As stated above, this building follows the ikgong style and has a matbae roof. The front of the pavilion has 5 sections, while the sides have 2 sections each. The supporting structure below the building consists of the base and the grounding stone on it, both of which are built of natural stone. On top of them, slightly bulging columns are standing. The pavilion was constructed to match the steep slope it stands on. In order to set the building level, the columns on the side facing the Main Buddha Hall are shorter than those on the lower side.
Visitors are expected to pass through the Four Heavenly Kings Gate, and then under the center of the Bogwangru Pavilion, all the way to the Main Buddha Hall. This arrangement can often be seen in Korean temples built on slopes. The side of the pavilion facing the Main Buddha Hall has no wall, while the other three sides have wall panels. The front side is divided into five sections, and each section has a matching paneled door that is usually hung around the roof. Originally the floor was covered with a huge straw mat, but now vinyl flooring takes its place.
The columns of the pavilion are plainer and less imposing than the supporting columns below the building. According to the ikgong style, the ornate supporting panels (po) between the rafters and the ceiling are installed only on top of the columns, and the po is ornamentally shaped like bird wings. The lower wings are engraved with lotus flowers in full blossom, while the upper wings are engraved with lotus flower buds. Phoenix heads are protruding on top of the columns. The ceiling has a crosshatch design.
Source
Address
1029, Hakgok-ri, Socho-myeon, Wonju-si, South Korea.
Tel: 033-732-4800
