Eunmun-sa | |
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This temple was established as Taejakkap-sa in 560, during the reign of King Chinhung of
the Shilla Dynasty. It was renovated by Wongwang Kuksa during the reign of King Chinpyong
(579-632), and again by Poyang Kuksa toward the end of the Shilla Dynasty. The temple became
known as Eunmun-sa after Taejo, the founder of the Koryo Dynasty (918-1392), donated some
farm land to the temple and awarded it a plaque naming it Eunmun-sa in 937.
A third renovation was done by Woning Kuksa in 1105 during the reign of King Sukjong. Ilyon Sonsa
stayed here as the chief priest in 1250 during the reign of King Kojong. During the Choson Dynasty
(1392-1910), the temple was renovated many times. An academy for monks was established here in 1958,
and the temple has since become one of the major Buddhist college centers in Korea. The temple grounds
contain a number of treasures and national monuments.
Eunmun-sa weeping red pineThis 400 year-old tree (designated Natural Monument #180) is a member of the red pine family and is called "weeping" because of the way its branches grow naturally downward. Its healthy appreance and beautifully symmetrical growth is a result of special care by the resident nuns who do all the landscaping here. The tree is 6 meters high and the trunk is 2.9 meters around at chest height. Stele of Stupa to National Preceptor Wonung-kuksa Very little remains of the stele (designated Treasure#316) that was erected at the stupa of national preceptor Wonung Kuksa (1051-1144). The inscribed piece was broken into three parts, but later put back together. The inscription composed by Yun On-I includes a record of Wonung's life and praises him for rebuilding Eunmun-sa. 
Seated Stone BuddhaThis Buddha (designated Treasure#317) is complete with pedestal and halo. The protuberance on top of the head, indicative of supreme wisdom, is quite visible. The hands are positioned in a way symbolic of expelling devils, a feature common to Buddhas of the Unified Shilla period (668-935). The angular shoulders, regularly formed folds of the robe, the shape of the halo, and the six-sided pedestal makes this image rather stiff and formal looking. This Buddha represents an important example of the style of stone Buddhas of the early 900s. Stone Devas These stone images (collectively designated Treasure#318) are guardian Kings, each one representing one of the cardinal directions. The fierce-looking armor-clad figures trample on the opponents of Buddhism and can usually be found at temples. They are believed to have originally stood at each side of or inside a brick pagoda here. The size and proportion of the figures and the thick folds of the armor are similar in style to the four devas carved on the stupa of Monk Pojo Sonsa (Treasure#157) which was erected in 880 during the reign of King Hongang of the Unified Shilla and to four on the stupa of Zen Monk Cholgam Sonsa (National Treasure #57). The devas and the pagoda are believed to have been made around 900, during the closing years of Shilla. 
Eunmun-sa PagodasThis pair of three-story granite pagodas (Treasure #678) are typical of the Unified Shilla period. Each story is a single block of granite on which corner pillars are cared. The roof stones have five-stepped cornices and horizontal eaves. Eight seated Buddhist guardians are sculpted on the pedestal of each. The base of each one has been partially repaired and the finials are not complete. Taeungbo-jon 
Eunmun-sa was originally constructed during the Shilla period (57.B.C. - A.D. 935) and reconstructed
many times since then. The present facilities including this main hall called Taeungbojon
(designated Treasure #835) were most likely constructed in 1718. Taeungbo-jon is the largest
structure because the space between the columns is wider than usual. The eaves are bracketed
in a multi-cluster style with three tiers of bracket arms protruding to the outside and four
tiers to the inside. Unlike most of the late Choson architecture of a multi-cluster style, its
brackets are free of excessive ornamentation. As there are only two pillars employed inside to give
additional support to the framework of the roof, the interior of the hall is quite expansive. The
ceiling, which is checkered at the center and slanted at the corners, is embellished with colorful
painting.Admission: Adults: 1,300 won (Groups: 1,200 won) Youths, Soldiers: 700 won (Groups: 600 won) Directions: Gyeongsan Interchange -> Local Road #69 -> Jain-myeon Office -> Local Road #919 towards Yongseong-myeon Office -> National Road #20, turn right towards Unmun Dam -> turn left at Unmun-myeon 
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