Around Goseong Temple

Goseong Temple

Goseongsa Temple is a branch temple of Daeheungsa, the main temple of the 22nd district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. According to the Historical Monument of Cheonbulsan Hwaeomsa, it was built in 1211 (7th year of King Huijong of Goryeo) by National Preceptor Wonmyo Yose (1163–1245), who led the Baengnyeon Gyeolsa, when he rebuilt Baengnyeonsa Temple on Mandaksan Mountain nearby. In <Beomug(o)> compiled in 1799 (23rd year of King Jeongjo of Joseon), it is recorded as Goseongam. It is particularly well-known as the place where Jeong Yak-yong, who was exiled to Gangjin-gun in the autumn of 1805 (5th year of King Sunjo), stayed and befriended Seon Master Hyejang. In 1805, Dasan Jeong Yak-yong moved his 'gyeongham' (box containing I Ching research materials) to Goseongsa. Remaining buildings include the Daeungjeon (main hall), Chilseonggak (Big Dipper shrine), and a residential building. The Daeungjeon houses a wooden triad Buddha statue believed to have been created in the late Joseon Dynasty. The rear paintings include Yeongsanhwaesangdo, Jijangtaenghwa, Gamrotaenghwa, and Sinjungtaenghwa. The Jijangtaenghwa is the oldest, produced in 1933. The Chilseonggak houses four Buddhist paintings. One of the wooden triad Buddha statues in Goseongsa faced a tragic fate, almost being sold to Japan about ten years ago.