Around Silleuksa Temple (Jecheon)

Silleuksa Temple (Jecheon)

Silleuksa Temple is located on the eastern foothills of Mt. Worak. Although there is no clear information about its founding, according to the "Record of the Renovation of Silleuksa Temple on Mt. Worak," written during the renovation of its main hall, Geungnakjeon, in 1960, it is said that Monk Ado founded it in the 4th year of King Jinpyeong of Silla (582 AD), but this is not certain. Afterwards, it is said that Great Master Wonhyo rebuilt it during the reign of King Munmu of Silla (661-681 AD), and Great Master Muhak rebuilt it again during the reign of King Gongmin of Goryeo. Furthermore, it is said that Great Master Samyeong rebuilt it during the reign of King Gwanghae of Joseon (1608-1623 AD), leading to its present form. Considering these records along with the three-story stone pagoda, stone materials, and Geungnakjeon Hall remaining at the temple, it appears that Silleuksa was founded during the late Silla or early Goryeo period. However, its history from the Goryeo period to the early Joseon period is entirely unknown. It was reconstructed in the late Joseon period after the Imjin War. Although it likely underwent several renovations after its founding, it appears to have remained a deserted temple for a considerable time before its reconstruction. Even after its reconstruction, judging by the temple site and existing buildings, its influence appears to have been modest. According to tradition, it has been used as a Zen training center for about 60 years. In 1960, Geungnakjeon, which had fallen into disrepair due to the Korean War, was renovated, and in 1981, the three-story stone pagoda was dismantled and repaired. Since then, in recent years, including the establishment of Sansingak (Shrine to the Mountain Spirit) in 2001, new Yak-sadang (medicine hall/shrine) and Yosa (monk's living quarters) have been built, giving it its current appearance. Silleuksa Temple houses a three-story stone pagoda designated as a Treasure, a wooden Amitabha Buddha seated statue and a Bodhisattva seated statue designated as Tangible Cultural Heritage of Chungcheongbuk-do, as well as murals and dancheong (traditional decorative coloring) in Geungnakjeon Hall.