Around Seoknamsa Temple (Ulsan)

Seoknamsa Temple (Ulsan)

Seoknamsa Temple is located in Deokhyeon-ri, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, on the eastern foothills of Gajisan Mountain. It is a branch temple of Tongdosa Temple, the head temple of the 15th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The name Seoknamsa is said to have originated because Gajisan Mountain was once called Seokmyeonsan Mountain, and the temple was built to the south of this mountain. It was founded by State Preceptor Doui, who first introduced Seon Buddhism to Korea during the reign of King Heondeok (41st King of Silla, 809-826 AD). He discovered Beopunji Pond on Gajisan Mountain while searching for a sacred spiritual site, established the site, and built the temple to pray for the protection of Silla. After its founding, it underwent several reconstructions and repairs but was destroyed during the Imjin War. Later, in 1674 (15th year of King Hyeonjong's reign), Takyeong, Jaun, Uicheol, and Taeju rebuilt it with donations from Gang-ong, the magistrate of Eonyang. Jinnye, Ssangwon, Ikui, and Seongjin painted the Dancheong (traditional colorful patterns on wooden buildings), and Buddhist ritual implements such as bells and drums were prepared. Subsequently, Jeongwoo, Gakil, Seokmaeng, and others expanded Geuknakjeon (Hall of Ultimate Bliss), Cheongpungdang, Cheongundang, Cheonghwadang, and Hyanggak, and Seon Master Huicheol built Myeongbujeon (Hall of Judgment). After a long period, it fell into disrepair and was renovated again in 1912 by Master Uun. However, it was completely destroyed and left in ruins during the Korean War, obliterating the remaining vestiges of the ancient Silla temple. In 1957, after it became a ruin, Bhikkhuni Inhong was appointed as the head nun. She first renovated and rebuilt Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall), Geuknakjeon, and other auxiliary facilities, and then newly constructed Jonggak (Bell Pavilion), Chimgyeru, Simgeomdang, etc., thereby revitalizing the appearance of the temple. Existing buildings include more than 30 structures such as Daeungjeon, Geuknakjeon, Gangseondang, Josajeon (Hall of Patriarchs), and Simgeomdang. 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). Additionally, cultural heritage items include Seoknamsa Budo (stupa), designated Treasure No. 369 and believed to be the stupa of State Preceptor Doui, the Three-story Stone Pagoda, Gyeongsangnam-do Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 22, and early Joseon-era mulberry wood troughs and stone troughs.