Around Hwagyesa Temple

Hwagyesa Temple

Hwagyesa was originally a small hermitage called Bodeogam located in Buheodong. Later, in the 17th year of King Jungjong's reign (1522), Bodeogam was relocated to Hwagye-dong in the south, where a main hall and monks' quarters were built, and it was renamed Hwagyesa. In 1618, the 10th year of King Gwanghaegun's reign, the temple was completely destroyed by fire but was rebuilt the following year by Ven. Dowol. It is situated at the end of the Kalbawi Ridge on the southeast side of Samgaksan, the core of Bukhansan Mountain. Despite its proximity to the city center and residential areas, it is embraced by forests and valleys, offering the comfort of nature and the serene atmosphere of a mountain temple, making it a representative temple of Gangbuk-gu. Notably, Hwagyesa is the birthplace of the Kwan Um School of Zen, founded by Ven. Seung Sahn, and serves as a central temple for Zen meditation practice and international propagation, where foreign monks and lay practitioners train. Hwagyesa holds daily Sa-si Ye-bul (noon Buddhist service) and prayers, and family dharma services are held every Sunday. Hwagyesa is also a place of education. The Hwagyesa Buddhist University, which began accreditation in 2002, educates over 700 Buddhist practitioners annually. Basic doctrine courses and general education courses, including Cheonsugyeong (Sutra of One Thousand Hands), Yebul (Buddhist service), Prajñāpāramitā Hṛdaya Sūtra (Heart Sutra), and rituals, each run for three months. The two-year Buddhist University program is offered in weekday and weekend classes, and graduate school and sutra study programs are each one-year courses. In addition, various lay Buddhist organizations are active, including the Lay Buddhist Association, Youth Association, Nahan University Student Dharma Meeting, Student Association, and Children's Association. Within the Lay Buddhist Association, there are also groups like the Geo-sa-hoe (laymen's group), a choir, and various volunteer organizations.