Around Hwaamsa

Hwaamsa

Hwaam Temple is located at the foot of Sahyangsan Mountain in Wonnam-myeon, Eumseong-gun. It is said that Kkotjeol (Flower Temple), its original name, dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty and is recorded in various historical documents and maps. In 1937, Kim Seung-won refounded it, changing the name from Kkotjeol to Cheongjinam. In 1981, the believers' association changed Cheongjinam to Hwaam Temple. In 2000, Hwaam Temple reverted to its original name, Kkotjeol. The temple complex includes a main hall (Beopdang), monks' living quarters (Yosachae), and a Gwaneumjeon (Hall of Avalokiteshvara) which also functions as an auditorium. Among the seven Buddhist statues traditionally kept at the temple, three were made of clay. These were moved to Subokam in Hanbeol-li, Eumseong-eup; one was damaged, and the other two are enshrined there. A statue of Bhaisajyaguru Buddha is preserved at the temple, and a statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is enshrined in the main hall.