Ssanggye-sa | |
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Ssanggye-sa (South Gyeongsang Province Tangible Monument #21) was originally built in 772
to enshrine the portrait of Monk Yukcho. Two Shilla monks, Taebi-hwasang and
Sambop-hwasang, brought the portrait from China. (According to legend, the two monks
were instructed in a dream by an elderly monk to look for a valley on Jiri-san where
arrowroot flowers would be found blossoming in the snow.) The temple was originally
called Okcho-sa, but was renamed Ssanggye-sa by Chonggang-wang in tribute
to the Monk Chingan-sonsa.
Chingan-sonsa enlared the temple in 840 after returning from studying in China and planted
tea seeds he had brought back with him at the foot of Jiri-san. The temple has since beed
renovated by a number of monks including Pyogam, Paegam, Pop'un, Manho, and Yongdam.
Ssanggye-sa is one of the 25 main temples of the Chogye Buddhist order and is
responsible for other temples in the western part of South Gyeongsang Province.
Ilchu-munThis gate, the first of several leading to the main temple, is called Ilchumun (one Pillar Gate) because the roof structure is supported by only one pillar on each side. Designated South Gyeongsang Province Tangible Cultural Property #86, this particular gate has an elaborate hipped and gabled roof, double tiered eaves, and a decorative multi-bracketted style. It was built by Priest Pyogam (1575-1660) in 1641 and was reconstructed by Priest Kosan in 1977. 
Kumgang-munThis gate (designated South Gyeongsang Province Tangible Cultural Property #127) is named for Kumgangnyoksa, the two guardians who guard against evil spirits entering the temple grounds. This gate has a gabled roof with simple brackets, double tiered eaves, and windbreaks on the gables. It was built by Priest Chingam-sonsa in 840, reconstructed by Priest Pyogam in 1641, and extensively repaired by Priest Kosan in 1979. 
Ch'ongwang-munThis gate (designated South Gyeongsang Province Tangible property property #126) is called Ch'ongwang-mun (Heavenly Kings Gate) because it houses the statues of the four "Kings" who are guardians of Buddhism, priests, and men, and who are supposed to rule the four directions of the universe. These wooden images are especially well sculptured. The style of this gate is similar to that of Kumgang-mun with a gabled roof, simple brackets, and windbreaks on the gables. It was built by Priest Paekpong in 1704, reconstructed by Priest Injong in 1825, and again by Priest Kosan in 1978. 
Bulil FallsApproximately 2 kilometers east of Ssanggye-sa are Bulil Falls. These 60-meter falls flow throughout the year and are used for ice climbing duing the winter. You can floow the path along the stream running past the temple to get there. 
Admission: Adults: 3,400 won (Groups: 3,200 won) Youths: 1,300 won (Groups: 1,100 won) Directions: Namwon -> National Road #19 -> Gurye-eup -> National Road #19 towards Hadong at Gurye, Seosigyo -> Hwagae Market site -> Ssanggye-sa | |
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