Around Yeombul Hermitage

Yeombul Hermitage

Yeombulam is a subsidiary temple of the 2nd district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The founding of Yeombulsa (Yeombulam) is intertwined with the legend of Samsan Mountain. It is said that during the reign of King Munmu of Silla, three eminent monks—Wonhyo, Uisang, and Lay Buddhist Yunpil—entered this mountain. Monk Wonhyo founded Sammaksa, Monk Uisang established Yeonjuam, and Lay Buddhist Yunpil founded Yeombulsa, each practicing asceticism at their respective temples. Yeombulsa's greatest pride is its beautiful scenery, where uniquely shaped rock formations and dense forests, which surround the mid-slopes of Samsan Mountain like a folding screen, are harmoniously blended. The temple buildings are located at different heights according to their hierarchy, allowing visitors to enjoy completely different views from each building. In particular, the view from Chilseonggak is as beautiful as a painting of an Oriental landscape. (Source: Naemaem A-anyang; Korea Tourism Organization)