Korea – Gaesimsa Zen Temple – Hidden in the Korean mountains, the Seon monks investigate life and death!
Gaesimsa is a Seon Temple of Korean Zen Buddhism. Located in a dense forest in Mount Sangwangsan and 6 kilometers from Haemi-myeon. This Seon Temple is one of the four largest temples in Chungcheongnam-do South Korea. The road from the parking lot to the temple grounds is quite remote and winding, but beautiful, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Gaesimsa was built in 1484 in the 15th year of King Seongjong's reign and designated as a treasure. The architecture of the temple stands out as the buildings use curved tree trunks as pillars.
Zen Master Pohwa Sunim and his disciples from all over the world meditated in this temple 24/7 for days and nights.
Dogs chase mud balls, lion bites thrower. How can you be free from even those animals' affairs? (Zen Meister Pohwa Sunim)
Gaesimsa Zen Temple - Korea
When the temple was first built it was known as the Gaewonsa Temple. However, when the temple was repaired by monk Cheoneung in 1350, the name of the temple was changed to its current name, Gaesimsa Temple. The temple was then rebuilt in 1475. This included the rebuilding of Daeung-jeon Hall, which was built in 1484 due to a fire on the temple grounds.
The Gaesimsa Temple underwent further repairs in 1740 and 1955. In total, the Gaesimsa Temple houses five Korean treasures. These are Daeung-jeon Hall, Gaesimsa Temple Hanging Painting, Amitabha Wooden Seated Buddha, Gaesimsa Temple Buddhist Paintings, Five Compassionate Emperors and Four Messengers of the Underworld, and Buddhist Paintings of Gaesimsa Temple.
