Buddha's Reflection Temple

It is a branch temple of Bulguksa Temple, the 11th district temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located on Cheonchuksan Mountain in Uljin-gun, founded by Great Master Uisang in the 5th year of Queen Jindeok's reign (651). As Great Master Uisang was heading towards the East Sea, he discovered a nascent five-colored aura in the valley, and upon investigating, he found nine dragons in a pond. So, using his magical powers, he wrote the character ‘火’ (fire) on a fallen leaf and threw it into the pond. Suddenly, the water boiled, and the dragons, unable to endure it, fled. It is said that a temple was built on that very spot. Afterward, when Great Master Uisang visited Bulyeongsa Temple again, an old man exclaimed, ‘The Buddha is returning!’, leading the temple to also be called Bulgwisa. Since its founding, it has undergone several renovations. In 1396 (the 5th year of King Taejo’s reign), everything but the Nahanjeon Hall was lost in a fire, and the following year, Sosol rebuilt it. During the Imjin War, everything but the Yeongsanjeon Hall was completely burned down again, and it was rebuilt by Seongwon in 1609, Jinseong in 1701, and Cheonok in 1721. For about 100 years thereafter, the temple grounds largely deteriorated, maintained only by its reputation as a traditional Silla ancient temple. However, from 1991, when the head monk, Seon Master Simjeon Ilun, returned to Bulyeongsa after five years of studying in Taiwan, it transformed into the largest nun's Zen meditation center in the East Sea region. Head Monk Seon Master Simjeon Ilun newly built Iljumun Gate and restored and renovated Daeungjeon Hall. In 1994, Daeungbojeon Hall and its main altar painting were designated as cultural heritage properties. Bulyeongsa Valley, nestled by Cheonchuksan Mountain, is an ecological protected area and is home to over 560 species of plants rarely seen today.