FRI, MARCH 29, 2024
Korean Mountain Monasteries
상태바
Korean Mountain Monasteries
  • By Cultural Heritage Administration
  • 승인 2023.03.20 04:00
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Seven Korean Buddhist monasteries dispersed around the country were collectively inscribed as a World Heritage property in 2018: Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan, Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju, Seonamsa Temple in Suncheon, Daeheungsa Temple in Haenam, Magoksa Temple in Gongju, and Beopjusa Temple in Boeun. They joined three other traditional Korean Buddhist monasteries already represented on the World Heritage List, Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju and Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon. Although accounting for a considerable portion of the Korean sites registered on the prestigious global heritage list, these inscribed mountain monasteries are just a tiny fraction of the more than 1,000 Buddhist monasteries counted in the official statistics in South Korea, and there may be even more that have gone uncounted. Buddhist monasteries can be found across all the named mountains of South Korea.

Yeongsanam Hermitage at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong
Yeongsanam Hermitage at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong

Deeply integrated into the lives of their local communities, mountain monasteries perform functions beyond simply religious practices. They can be a primary locus for cultural and economic activities in a local community. Regardless of their personal religious orientations, Koreans often feel at least partially linked to a Buddhist monastery. When they find themselves longing for an absence of speed and noise, they point their feet in the direction of a mountain monastery. Koreans share a nostalgia for mountain monasteries that is deeply seated in the culture.

Samcheonggak Hall and Uhwaru Pavilion at Songgwangsa Temple
Samcheonggak Hall and Uhwaru Pavilion at Songgwangsa Temple

This nostalgia can be partly explained by the time-honored history of these monasteries within Korean society. Despite dynastic changes and countless military conflicts, Buddhist monasteries have been present for the Korean people since the introduction of Buddhism more than 1,600 years ago. The temples’ natural surroundings are also inspiring. Traditional Korean Buddhist monasteries are commonly nestled in the mountains and surrounded by well-preserved woods and streams. For those tired of the hustle and bustle of urban life, this environment can offer much-needed tranquility and a valuable source of refreshment.

 

Buddhist monasteries also present a treasure trove of traditional Korean art and culture. Most mountain monasteries have been repeatedly damaged and restored into the present day. Through this endless cycle of demolition and reconstruction, the forms of art and culture manifested in Buddhist monasteries have been transmitted by traditional artisans. Besides traditional architecture, mountain monasteries feature artistic forms ranging from dancheong woodwork painting to mural paintings, carvings, pagodas, statues, and Buddhist bells. It would not be far-fetched to describe mountain monasteries as art museums in their own right. Every single component of a Buddhist monastery is both a religious item and art at the same time. When people need a pause in their lives, mountain monasteries are just the place to visit.

The Diamond Altar of Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan
The Diamond Altar of Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan
Gakhwangjeon Hall at Hwaeomsa Temple in Guryeo and red plum blossoms in its front courtyard
Gakhwangjeon Hall at Hwaeomsa Temple in Guryeo and red plum blossoms in its front courtyard
Seounam Hermitage at Tongdosa Temple covered in snow
Seounam Hermitage at Tongdosa Temple covered in snow
The three-story stone pagoda at Buseoksa Temple
The three-story stone pagoda at Buseoksa Temple

 


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