Silsang-sa | |
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Shilsang-sa Temple is located along the northern border of
Jiri-san National Park and directly faces
Ch'eonwangbong, the park's highest peak. Built in 828, it was the first of the
Gusan Seonmun (the nine Zen Buddhist temples that formed the birthplace of
Seon, the Korean Zen sect). Many generations of Seon monks trained and
studied at the facilities here.
Japanese invaders burnt all the buildings in 1592, with 36 buildings not being rebuilt for
over 100 years. It completely burned down again during King Kojong's reign. From 1884 it was
rebuilt on a smaller scale. The site contains one National Treasure, eleven Treasures, three
Local Cultural Properties, and one Important Folklore Material.
Although these two 3-story pagodas (Treasure #37) are referred to as "twins,"
they do have subtle differences. They were built in 843, stand 8.4 meters high, and each
one has a body and roof stone carved from a single stone. They are typical of other pagodas
built during the Shilla Kingdom period (668-935). Despite their age, both remain mostly
intact. The western pagoda is missing one part of the finial.
Right behind the two pagodas stands the Lantern of Shilsang-sa (Treasure #35), presumably
built in the late 9th century. It is similar to two other lanterns, one at Porim-sa Temple
and the other at the site of Kaeson-sa Temple (both lanterns are designated as National
Treasures). The pedestal has the shape of an hourglass drum.
This iron Buddha (Tresure #41) is the earliest example of the style that existed in many of
the Seon temples in the late 9th century. It was cast by the temple's founder,
Hongch'eokkusa, or his successor, Such'eolkuksa. The hands make a gesture
usually associated with Amita, the Buddha of the Western Paradise. Several parts of
the statue have been restored in recent years. It ranks among Korea's best known and most
worshipped Buddha images.
Keungnakcheon Hall (North Jeolla Province Tangible Cultural Property #45) was recorded as being built in
1831. The distinctive gable roofed structure is supported by pillars only. Extra pillars are
located inside to support the ceiling of the extended portion. An alter stands between the
inside pillars.
This 2.4 meter stone stupa dedicated to Chunggak-T'aesa (the High Priest Hongch'ok-kuksa)
has a basic octagonal form. The carved roofstone has a detailed imitation of a wooden structure
and the body has carved reliefs of the Lokapalas (the Four Guardian Kings). It demonstrates
the sophistication of the sculptors during the Unified Shilla Kingdom (668-935).
This 3 meter high, octagonal stupa for Priest Such'ol-hwasang is believed to have been
built around 893 and is typical of other stupas from the Shilla Kingdom. It is very similar
to the one for Chunggak-T'aesa: the roofstone was meticulously sculpted to imitate the
style of a wooden structure, and the four Lokapalas are sculpted in relief on the
face of the main body.
This stele was erected for the stupa of High Priest Hongch'ok-kuksa (posthumous name of
Chunggak) who established Shilsang-sa and became the first abbot of its monastery. Although
the stele's main body is missing, the dragon capstone (on which the name of the stele is
engraved in Chinese) and base (sculptured in the shape of a tortoise) remain. This style
is typical of steles of the Unified Shilla Kingdom (668-935).
This 2.9 meter stele was dedicated to Priest Such'ol-hwasang (817-893), the second abbot of
Shilsang-sa and a disciple of High-Priest Hongch'ok-kuksa. The capstone is decorated with a
carved design of two dragons playing with a pearl-like jewel. The inscription on the monument
includes the dates of Priest Such'ol-hwasang birth, ordination, and death, as well as an account
of his teachings.Hours: Summer (Mar. ~ Oct.) - 09:00 ~ 18:00 Winter (Nov. ~ Feb.) - 09:00 ~ 17:00 Admission: Adults: 1,500 won, Youths: 1,200 won, Children: 800 won Directions: Honam Expressway, Jeonju Interchange -> Jeonju City -> National Road #17 -> Namwon -> National Road #24 towards Unbong -> Unbong -> Inwol -> Local Road #60 towards Sannae-myeon -> Silsang-sa | |
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