Around Jeongbangsa Temple (Jecheon)

Jeongbangsa Temple (Jecheon)

Jeongbangsa Temple, a subordinate temple (maldae) of Beopjusa Temple on Songnisan Mountain, which belongs to the Jogye Order, is a thousand-year-old temple located on the ridge of Sinseonbong Peak at the foot of Geumsusan Mountain (1,016m above sea level). It is said to have been founded by Uisang Daesa during the Silla Dynasty. Upon ascending to the temple, one can overlook Cheongpung Lake and the surrounding mountains, which resemble a celestial paradise, and feel the wonder of nature. A rock cliff covers one-third of the main hall's roof, and its grandeur and peculiar appearance evoke the greatness of nature. Within Jeongbangsa Temple grounds, there are the main hall (Beopdang), monks' quarters (Yosa), and Hyeonhaemun Gate. The main hall, built in 1825, is a 12-kan wooden tiled house, and the monks' quarters are 5-kan. Hyeonhaemun Gate is the main entrance to the temple, also known as Iljumun Gate, and is a 1-kan wooden gate. Inside the main hall, the principal deity is a 60cm-tall, 30cm-wide Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva statue, with a Buddhist painting (Hubultaenghwa) behind it. The Wooden Seated Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and its accompanying relics from Jeongbangsa Temple in Jecheon refer to the wooden seated Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva enshrined in the main hall of Jeongbangsa Temple in Jecheon, and the artifacts found within it. This wooden seated Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is enshrined as the main Buddha in the main hall of Jeongbangsa Temple and clearly exhibits the typical characteristics of Bodhisattva statues from the mid-Joseon Dynasty.