Around Bulgapsa Temple

Bulgapsa Temple

Bulgapsa Temple is located at the foot of Bulgapsan Mountain in Yeonggwang-gun and is famous for its cluster amaryllis. It is a branch temple of Baekyangsa Temple, the head temple of the 18th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was named Bulgapsa to reflect that it was the first Buddhist sanctuary (beopbeop-doryang) built when the Indian monk Marananta first introduced Buddhism to Baekje during the reign of King Chimnyu (384 AD). Inside the Cheonwangmun (Gate of Four Heavenly Kings), enshrined are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, which are said to have been carved by National Preceptor Yeon-gi during the reign of King Jinheung of Silla and later moved from the abandoned Mujeong Yeon-gisa Temple in Jeonbuk when Seoldu Seonsa reconstructed Bulgapsa in the first year of King Gojong's reign. Bulgapsa was rebuilt in the late 8th century during the Unified Silla period. It underwent a major reconstruction in the late Goryeo period when National Preceptor Gakjin resided there, at which time hundreds of monks lived at the temple and its temple lands (sajeon) reportedly extended up to 10 li away. Among the existing buildings, cultural heritage assets include Daeungjeon (Main Hall) and Cheonwangmun (Gate of Four Heavenly Kings), which preserve the architectural styles from the mid-Joseon period onwards. Additionally, there is a Japanese chinquapin tree (Chamshiknamu) that is said to have been planted by National Preceptor Gakjin, approximately 700 years old. Bulgapsa is also a beautiful autumn travel destination where visitors can see lush mountains, rare endangered wild plants like the Noryang cluster amaryllis, and vibrant red spider lilies (kkotmu-reut) blooming in clusters.