Girimsa Temple祇林寺

Girimsacwsa Temple was founded during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla and was initially called Imjeongsa. It was later renamed Girimsa when Wonhyo expanded the temple grounds. Girimsa is largely divided into two areas: the Daejeokgwangjeon Hall, which enshrines Vairocana Buddha, and the area with a large Bodhi tree over 500 years old, and the area with the Seongbo Museum, Samseonggak Shrine, Myeongbujeon Hall, Gwaneumjeon Hall, and more. The Daejeokgwangjeon Hall is the main hall of Girimsa, a single-story building with a gable roof and a multi-bracket system featuring entasis pillars. It houses a triad of Buddhas that represent the typical early Joseon dynasty Buddhist statue style. To the west between Daejeokgwangjeon Hall and Jinnamru Pavilion is the Obaeknahanjeon Hall, and directly in front of it stands a three-story stone pagoda. The Seongbo Museum houses numerous cultural heritage materials, including a gilt-lacquered Bodhisattva seated in meditation (Banga-sang), dharma relics from the abdomen of a Vairocana Buddha, wooden and stone steles, and earthenware roof tiles, all designated as treasures. Girimsa is famous for its five types of water, called Ojongsu, each said to have a different taste. These include Gamrosu, considered the best for making tea; Hwajeongsu, said to bring peace of mind when simply drunk; Janggunsu, believed to make one's physique strong; Myeongansu, said to clarify one's vision; and Otaksu, whose water was so beautiful that crows pecked at it. However, during the Japanese colonial period, the flow of Janggunsu was blocked out of fear that a general might be born, and now only four springs are flowing. Girimsa also offers temple stay programs and temple experiences, including a self-guided type for relaxation and an experiential type with monks involving participation in Buddhist rituals and 108 prostrations. Seasonal themes are offered: in spring, green tea making; in summer, a meditation path experience at Yongyeon Waterfall; in autumn, tasting aged tea and attending a temple concert; and in winter, a bell-ringing ceremony and viewing the sunrise over the East Sea. Other activities include mandala drawing, a summer training retreat at Mahasa Temple, and a children's summer Buddhist school.