Beopjusa Temple on Songni Mountain: A Thousand-Year-Old Temple Hidden in the Mountains
#ChristmasGoodplace2024 《Beopjusa Temple on Songni Mountain - A thousand-year-old temple hidden in the mountains and forests》
Stepping into Korea’s thousand-year-old temple, Songnisan Beopjusa Temple (법주사), is like embarking on a quiet journey across time and space. This temple is located in Songnisan National Park in Boeun County, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. It is not only a world cultural heritage, but also one of the treasures of Korean Buddhist culture. During this trip, I walked into this thousand-year-old temple full of mysterious atmosphere, out of curiosity about Buddhist culture and awe of ancient buildings.
1. Entering the mountain gate for the first time - the fusion of nature and culture
Beopju Temple on Songni Mountain is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. It is surrounded by lush trees and gurgling streams, and there seems to be a hint of Zen in the air. When I walked into the mountain gate, I was shocked by the tranquility and natural scenery here at first sight.
Walking slowly up the stone path, the trees on both sides are towering into the sky, and the sunlight shines through the leaves, casting colorful shadows, which instantly calms people's mood. As we walked, a magnificent temple gate appeared in front of us. This is the entrance to Fazhu Temple - Tianwang Gate. At the door stand majestic statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, as if guarding this pure land.
2. The historical and cultural value of Fazhu Temple
Beopju Temple was founded in 553 AD during the Baekje period and has a history of more than 1,400 years. After many reconstructions and expansions, it still retains the essence of Korean Buddhist culture and is known as one of "Korea's most representative mountain temples."
This was once a place where the kings and nobles of the Joseon Dynasty worshipped Buddha and prayed for blessings. The long historical cultural heritage and magnificent architecture have attracted countless pilgrims and tourists to come and worship. In particular, the octagonal nine-story stone pagoda and the golden bronze Maitreya Buddha statue in the temple are the representative cultural heritage of Beopjusa Temple, witnessing the glorious years of Korean Buddhist culture.
3. Highlight 1: The Golden Bronze Maitreya Buddha
When you enter the temple, the most eye-catching thing is a 33-meter-high golden bronze Maitreya Buddha (미륵불). Under the sunlight, the Buddha shines brightly, exuding a sacred and solemn atmosphere. It is said that this Maitreya Buddha statue symbolizes peace and prosperity, attracting countless believers to come and pray. I stood in front of the Buddha statue and couldn't help but feel the peace and awe of my heart.
This giant Buddha is not only majestic but also exquisitely carved. From the face of the Buddha to the folds in his clothes, it displays exquisite craftsmanship, fully reflecting the delicacy and sophistication of Korean traditional culture.
4. Highlight 2: Octagonal Nine-Storey Stone Pagoda
Another important relic in the temple is the octagonal nine-story stone pagoda (팔각구층석탑), which is listed as South Korea's National Treasure No. 55 and is one of the iconic buildings of Beopjusa Temple.
The stone pagoda is 15 meters high and has an octagonal structure. Each floor is carved with exquisite patterns and Buddha statues, which is a perfect combination of art and religion. It is said that the pagoda houses Buddhist relics, attracting believers and tourists to worship devoutly.
I walked around the stone pagoda several times, trying to feel the Buddhist wisdom and thousand-year history it contained. Under the stone pagoda, many believers put their hands together and prayed quietly. This pious atmosphere was deeply moving.
5. Take a walk in the mountains: a fusion of Zen and nature
The surroundings of Hoju Temple are one of my favorite parts. Walking along the paths surrounding the temple, you can hear the sound of the gurgling stream and the rustling of the treetops in the mountain breeze, which makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the world in an instant.
There are also famous pine forest trails and observation decks here. Climb up to a high place and overlook the panoramic view of the temples and the beautiful mountains, as if you are in a landscape painting.
As I walked, I even saw some Zen practitioners sitting cross-legged in meditation, blending with nature. The tranquility and harmony made people want to stop and quietly feel the magical charm of this pure land.
6. Local food and souvenirs
After visiting the temples, don’t forget to visit the surrounding stalls to taste Korean specialties such as kimchi pancakes (김치전), rice cake soup (떡국) and Korean sweet rice wine (식혜). These traditional foods have a homely taste and are unforgettable.
There are also some small shops outside the temple selling special souvenirs, such as Buddhist beads, sachets and handmade pottery. These exquisite little items can be given as gifts and can also leave beautiful memories of the journey.
7. Visiting tips and tricks
• Transportation:
Take the express bus from Seoul to Boeun-gun Bus Terminal, then transfer to a local bus and arrive at Songnisan Beopjusa Temple in about 40 minutes.
• Opening hours:
9:00am to 5:00pm daily, hours may be extended in summer, so it is recommended to check in advance.
• Ticket Information:
The adult ticket price is about 5,000 won, and there are discounts for students and children.
• Tips:
1. Dress code: You must dress appropriately when entering the temple and avoid wearing overly revealing clothing.
2. Keep quiet: This is a religious holy place, please respect the etiquette and customs of believers.
3. Hiking equipment: If you plan to go hiking or long-distance trekking, it is recommended to prepare comfortable shoes and drinking water.
8. Conclusion: Purification and Baptism of the Soul
Beopjusa Temple on Songnisan Mountain is not only a Buddhist holy place with a long history, but also a place for spiritual purification and cleansing. Wandering through it, you can not only appreciate the magnificent ancient buildings and cultural heritage, but also feel the tranquility and power of nature.
Every tile and every Buddha statue here carries thousands of years of stories and wisdom. If you long to get away from the hustle and bustle and return to the peace of mind, then Songnisan Beopjusa Temple is definitely worth spending a day to have an in-depth dialogue with nature and culture!