★★★ Korea Allimi Special Article - 대한민국 알리미 특별 조항★★★
The Jogyesa Temple is the head temple of the Korean Buddhism of the Jogye Order.
The Jogyesa Temple is located in Insa-dong, one of Seoul's most prominent cultural districts and near the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The monks who built Jogye Temple under the name Gakhwangsa Temple in 1910 wished for the independence of Korean Buddhism and the restoration of Koreans' self-esteem.
Gakhwangsa Temple was the most important temple in modern Korean Buddhism, as well as the first propagation center that advocated for the authenticity of Korean Buddhism and the very first temple within the city of Seoul's four gates.
To remove the remnants of Japanese colonialism, the temple's name was changed to Taegosa in 1938 and then to Jogye Temple in 1954.
The architecture of Jogyesa Temple is a combination of traditional temple and palace architecture. The mesh decorations on the Daeungjeon's doors and windows are unique in their own way. The temple also includes the Geuknakjeon (Hall of Supreme Bliss), which houses the Amitabha Buddha, and the Beomjongnu, which holds a bell that enlightens the people with its sound.
Daeungjeon Hall is the temple's main hall, and it houses the famous figure of the seated Buddha (the statue is Tangible Cultural Heritage of Seoul No. 126). Baeksong, a more than 500-year-old white pine tree located close to Daeungjeon, is Korea's No. 9 Natural Monument. Due to its central location in Seoul, Jogyesa attracts a large number of tourists seeking to learn about Buddhist culture. The yearly Lotus Lantern Festival and a temple stay program are also held at the temple.
Currently, Jogyesa Temple has lots of intangible cultural or natural heritage that are extremely important for Korean culture and traditions.
[Lacebark Pine of Jogyesa Temple] Designated as Natural Monument No. 9 (December 7, 1962) [Daeungjeon Hall of Jogyesa Temple] Seoul designated Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 127 (September 10, 2000)
[Seated Buddha of Jogyesa Temple] Seoul designated Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 126 (July 15, 2000)
[Seokgabuldo of Jogyesa Temple] Seoul designated Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 125 (July 15, 2000)
Major events inside the Temple:
Spring
Buddha's birthday that's in May. This is the event, which has been designated as Korea's Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 122 and is held at Jogyesa and Bongeunsa temples, as well as along Jongno Street. The event's origins may be traced back to the Unified Silla era, when it was held on Daeboreum, a day commemorating the first full moon of the lunar calendar; during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), Yeondeunghoe became a festival commemorating Buddha's birthday. The Lotus Lantern Festival, conducted every year to commemorate Buddha's birthday, was named an Intangible Cultural Treasure by UNESCO making it Korea's 21st intangible cultural heritage.
Summer
Lotus Festival (July~August), Chilsoek, July 7th in the lunar calendar, the seventh day[evening] of the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
Autumn
Chrysanthemum Festival (September~October), Hangawi, Korean Thanksgiving Day (August 15th in the lunar calendar), Jungyangjeol, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.
Winter
Dongji, winter solstice, New Year's Eve (December 31st).
Temple Stay:
Templestay is a cultural integration program that allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of Korean traditional culture and Buddhism. This brief temple stay, which includes chanting, meditation, tea chat, and Buddhist meals, will provide you with a fresh perspective on life. We hope that while staying at a temple, you discover your 'True-self.'
Jogyesa is part of this program, so if you would like to experience this, check their website for more information and reservation.
Address
03144, 55, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Transportation
- Anguk Station (subway line 3) exit 6, 10 min. away on foot
- Gwanghwamun Station (subway line 5) exit 2, 15 min. away on foot
- Jonggak Station (subway line 1) exit 2, 10 min. away on foot
Phone
+82 2-768-8523 (ENG) / +82 2-768-8660 (KOR)
Website
Hours of Operation
Opening hours vary depending on what Buddhist ceremonies are taking place and the temple schedule
We hope you will try to visit this amazing temple and take lots of pictures, also temple stay is a great opportunity to learn 1:1 from monks about how they live their peaceful life.
Stay tuned for the next article for Korea Allimi!
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