Bongeunsa temple in Gangnam, Seoul, was established by the monk Yeonhoei in 794 A.D. It was only sometimes known as Gyeongseongsa Temple. During the reign of Queen Jeonghyeon, which began in 1498, the temple received substantial repairs and was renamed the Bongeunsa Temple. When King Myeongjong was alive, he had the temple relocated from its original location, about a kilometer to the southwest of its current location. To further the translation of Buddhist writings into Korean, the Bongeunsa Temple established the Institute of Tripitaka Koreana in the 1960s. Recently, the Bongeunsa Temple has been at odds with the Seoul municipal administration over whether or not the temple should be moved from its current, affluent position in the Gangnam area of the city. Here we will discuss more bongeunsa temple.
History of bongeunsa temple:
According to legend, Bongeunsa Temple was built by Monk Yeonhoei in 794 A.D., during the reign of King Wondering. Gyeonseongsa Temple was the original name for this sacred site. The shrine to the east of King Seongjong’s tomb was reestablished in 1498 by Queen Jeonghyeon. During this time, she also decided to call it Bongeunsa. Queen Munjeong helped this temple rise to prominence during the Joseon Dynasty when Buddhism was harshly persecuted in the kingdom, and it finally became the chief temple for the Seon sect.
Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple:
The present site of the temple was chosen during this period as well. Massive and ancient, the Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple dates back a thousand years. In many formats, three thousand copies of Buddhist scriptures are kept in the temple. Relaxing and reflecting on one’s life experiences can be done in this setting. It has a prime location in the center of Seoul. I was 45 minutes early for a dinner date at Coex this week, so I decided to walk across the street to check out the illuminated Bongeunsa Temple.
Features of bongeunsa temple:
Amazing cityscapes can be seen from the temple, situated in the heart of a bustling intersection in Seoul. One of the most well-known Korean temples in Seoul, along with the Jogyesa Temple, is the Bongeunsa Temple. The trendy area of Gangnam-gu is home to the famous temple. For this reason, the temple attracts visitors from all over the world. Though it wasn’t the original plan, Bongeunsa is one of the rare temples in Seoul to spread out over a large area immediately adjacent to a busy street.
Buddha is celebrated at the Bongeunsa Temple:
You should visit the Bongeunsa Temple if you want to see the lanterns. All about the temple, you’ll see elaborate lantern displays. White lanterns, like the one pictured on the right, are strung from the ceiling of the plant garden. However, on the day Buddha was born, the monks always celebrated by hanging hundreds of colorful lanterns in his honor. The beautiful plants and flower arrangements only add to the spectacular scenery. This tradition began in 2007, and it quickly became an annual occurrence.
The reasons to visit the bongeunsa temple:
Most of Korea’s Buddhist temples are high up in the mountains, usually some distance into the woods. One of the few temples in Seoul, Bongeunsa may be found just off a busy street. Going to the temple is something I’d consider doing for several reasons. One thing that draws me to this area is how religion and art are melded together here.
Don’t miss the Bongeunsa Temple:
Take advantage of the Bongeunsa Temple if you’re in Seoul right now, especially if you can make it there in the evening. The lantern show is a beautiful sight and an excellent visual method for studying fundamental Buddhist tenets and practices. By this, I mean that the layout and hues of Buddhist temples, as well as paintings, Buddha statues, calligraphy, tea rituals, and other such practices, all function as concrete representations of the goodness and attractiveness Buddhists, ascribe to the world.
Locations & Attractions in the Neighborhood:
In the heart of Seoul stands the Bongeunsa Temple. Therefore, it’s logical to assume that the area is home to various conveniently located commercial hubs and other amenities. There are several options for lodging, such as hotels and motels, if you choose to stay in the area. The region has a slightly higher average cost of living than the rest of Korea, so keep that in mind. The surrounding area has been developed with commercial buildings, offices, upscale flats, and banks.
Travel to the heart of Gangnam City:
More than ten thousand local worshippers and hundreds of international tourists visit the Bongeunsa Temple daily. Therefore, the temple provides opportunities for laypeople to learn about temple life through programs such as “Temple Life” and “Temple Stay.” As part of a Temple Life program, guests are welcome to remain on temple grounds and participate in regular temple operations. During their stay, students will be instructed in Buddhist rites of worship, lantern making, and traditional Korean mental training.
Temple Stay program:
To make the Temple Stay program more accessible to people from other countries, it is held in English on the fourth Saturday of every month. It’s the best place to gain insight into Eastern culture and capture on film or digital camera the breathtaking murals that will forever remain etched in your mind. Several other elements of historical and cultural significance are included as well.
Precisely what is a Templestay, then?
There has been a significant Buddhist population in Korea for the past 1,700 years. The Bongeunsa Templestay program offers visitors a glimpse into the monastic lifestyle of Korea, allowing them to cleanse their minds and bodies while learning about Buddhist culture. The peaceful atmosphere of Bongeunsa will enable visitors to slow down their thoughts, take a few deep breaths, and go inward, where they can meet their true selves.
Conclusion:
Seoul’s Gangnam-Gu district is home to the Bongeunsa Temple. It is widely acknowledged as one of Seoul’s most revered places of worship. The temple is frequented by many people daily as a direct result of its location in the highly populated Gangnam-Gu neighborhood of Seoul. Each year, close to one million people journey to the Bongeunsa Temple.
FAQs:
Why is the Bongeunsa Temple so Famous?
The Bongeunsa Buddhist Temple was founded in Silla. The temple has been around for almost a thousand years, and its woodblocks feature carvings of the Avatamsaka Sutra.
In how many years was the Bongeunsa Temple built?
Since its construction in 794 under the Silla Dynasty, this Buddhist temple has existed for years. Its glorious heritage dates back more than 1,200 years. A shrine in the heart of Gangnam may appear out of place, yet it has been there for centuries.