Seoknamsa Temple (Ulsan)

Seoknamsa is a temple located in Deokhyeon-ri, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, on the eastern foot of Gajisan Mountain, and is a subsidiary temple of Tongdosa, the head temple of the 15th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. There is a story that the name Seoknamsa was given because Gajisan Mountain was called Seokmyeonsan, and the temple is located to the south of this mountain. It was founded by National Preceptor Doui, who first introduced Seon (Zen Buddhism) to Korea during the reign of King Heondeok (41st monarch of Silla, 809-826 CE). He had been searching for a sacred mountain (yeongsan myeongji), discovered Beobunji on Gajisan Mountain, and established the site to pray for the protection of Silla. After its founding, it underwent several renovations and reconstructions but was destroyed during the Imjin War. Afterward, in 1674 (15th year of King Hyeonjong's reign), with donations from Kang Ong, the magistrate of Eonyanghyeon, Takyeong, Jaun, Uicheol, and Taeju rebuilt it. Jin-hye, Ssangeon, Ik-ui, and Seongjin painted the dancheong (traditional colorful patterns), and simultaneously, Buddhist ritual implements such as bells and drums were prepared. Subsequently, Jeong-u, Gag-il, Seok-maeng, and others expanded Geuknakjeon, Cheongpungdang, Cheongundang, Cheonghwadang, and Hyanggak, and Monk Heecheol built Myeongbujeon. After a long period, it fell into disrepair and was reconstructed again in 1912 by Monk Uun. However, it was ruined during the Korean War, and all remaining traces of the ancient Silla temple were completely destroyed. In 1957, when Bhikkhuni Inhong was appointed as the head monk, she first renovated and rebuilt Daeungjeon, Geuknakjeon, and other ancillary facilities. Subsequently, she newly constructed Jonggak, Chimgyeru, Simgumdang, and others, revitalizing the temple's appearance. The existing temple buildings include over 30 structures such as Daeungjeon, Geuknakjeon, Gangseondang, Josajeon, and Simgumdang. Among them are Daeungjeon, built in the 3rd year of King Sunjo's reign, and Geuknakjeon, built in 1791 (15th year of King Jeongjo's reign). In addition, its cultural heritage assets include Seoknamsa Budo (Treasure No. 369), which is believed to be the stupa of National Preceptor Doui, the Three-story Stone Pagoda (Gyeongsangnam-do Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 22), and troughs made from the Kalopanax septemlobus tree and stone troughs from the early Joseon Dynasty.