Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHTS
JOGYE-SA
The headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism is home to Daeungjeon, the largest temple building in
Seoul. It was completed in 1938, but the design followed the Joseon-dynasty style. Murals of scenes from Buddha's
life and the carved floral latticework doors are two of its attractive features. The temple compound, always a hive
of activity, really comes alive during the city's spectacular Lotus Lantern Festival celebrating Buddha's birthday.
Buddha Triad
Inside Daeungjeon at Jogye-sa are three giant gilded Buddha statues: on the left is Amit-
abha, Buddha of the Western Paradise; in the centre is the historical Buddha, who lived in
India and achieved enlightenment; on the right is the Bhaisaiya or Medicine Buddha, with a
medicine bowl in his hand. The small 15th-century Buddha in the glass case was the main
Buddha statue before he was replaced by the much larger ones in 2006. On the right-hand
side is a guardian altar with lots of fierce-looking guardians in the painting behind, and on
the left side is the altar used for memorial services.
Believers who enter the temple bow three times, touching their forehead to the ground -
once for Buddha, once for the dharma (teaching) and once for the sangha (monks), 20 of
whom serve in this temple.
Other Buildings
Behind Daengjeon is the modern Geuknakjeon (Paradise Hall) dedicated to Amitabha
Buddha; funeral services, dharma (truth) talks and other prayer services are held here. The
statues are the 10 judges who pass judgement, 49 days after someone's death, to decide if
they go to heaven or hell.
Beomjongru (Brahma Bell Pavilion) houses a drum to summon earthbound animals, a
wooden fish-shaped gong to summon aquatic beings, a metal cloud-shaped gong to sum-
mon birds and a large bronze bell to summon underground creatures. The bell is rung 28
times at 4am and 33 times at 6pm.
Also within the grounds is the Central Buddhist Museum (adult/child ₩2000/1000;
9am-6pm Tue-Sun) displaying regularly changing exhibitions relating to the religion. Attached
to the museum is a tea shop and gift shop.
Temple Life Programs
Search WWH ::




Custom Search