Name: Beomeosa
Address: 250 Beomeosa-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Telephone: 051-508-3122
Rating: 4.6

Founded by the master priest UiSang in 678 A.D., this is one of Korea's HwaEom Buddhist temples.

Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan

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Cheomseongdae

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김병호

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서동국

JUNE “나는영웅이다” LEE

Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond

Beomeosa Temple was originally founded in 678 AD, during the reign of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty, making it a very old and historically significant temple.

Foundation Year

The temple's name, Beomeosa, translates to 'Temple of the Nirvana Fish,' and is derived from a legend about a golden fish that descended from the heavens to play in a well on the mountain.

Golden Fish

Beomeosa is nestled on the slopes of Mount Geumjeongsan, offering stunning natural scenery and hiking trails, making it a popular destination for both spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Mountain Location

While founded in the 7th century, much of the temple was destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and subsequently rebuilt in the early 17th century. Therefore, the current structures are largely from that later period.

Multiple Reconstructions

Beomeosa is considered one of the three major temples in the Yeongnam region of Korea, highlighting its importance and influence within Korean Buddhism.

Major Temples

The temple grounds feature a beautiful three-story stone pagoda dating back to the Unified Silla period, showcasing the architectural style and craftsmanship of that era.

Three-Story Pagoda

Beomeosa

Beomeosa, nestled on the slopes of Geumjeongsan mountain in Busan, distinguishes itself through its enduring connection to Korean Zen Buddhism and its unique architectural adaptations to the challenging terrain. Unlike many temples rebuilt after fires, Beomeosa retains several Joseon Dynasty structures, offering a tangible link to the past. The temple's Iljumun gate, supported by a single row of pillars, symbolizes the singular path to enlightenment, a concept deeply ingrained in Zen practice. The intricate carvings adorning the Daeungjeon hall, particularly the depictions of mythical creatures and floral motifs, showcase a distinct regional style, diverging from the more standardized designs found in temples further north. Interestingly, Beomeosa is also known for its active participation in Seon meditation retreats, attracting practitioners seeking intensive training in the rigorous Zen tradition. The temple's remote location fostered a self-sufficient community, evident in the traditional methods still employed for food preparation and resource management, reflecting a commitment to preserving ancient monastic practices.

Introduction

Beomeosa's architectural layout adheres to the traditional Korean Buddhist temple design, emphasizing a harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment of Mount Geumjeong. The temple's entry sequence, marked by the Iljumun, or One-Pillar Gate, symbolizes the singular path to enlightenment, constructed with supporting pillars aligned in a straight line. Ascending further, the Cheonwangmun, the Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings, showcases imposing statues that guard the temple from evil spirits, each figure meticulously crafted with unique armor and weaponry. The main hall, Daeungjeon, exemplifies Joseon-era architectural grandeur, characterized by its multi-tiered roof, intricate dancheong (traditional Korean decorative coloring) patterns, and a spacious interior designed to accommodate large gatherings for ceremonies. The meticulous bracketing system (gongpo) supports the heavy roof, distributing weight efficiently and adding to the hall's aesthetic appeal. Notably, Beomeosa incorporates several subsidiary halls and hermitages, each exhibiting distinct architectural features adapted to their specific functions, such as meditation or scriptural study. Stone pagodas, including the three-story pagoda, punctuate the temple grounds, serving as reliquaries and visual focal points, their simple yet elegant design reflecting a reverence for Buddhist teachings. The temple's architecture also reflects the influence of Korean geomancy, with buildings strategically positioned to maximize positive energy flow and minimize negative influences, contributing to the overall spiritual atmosphere.

Temple Architecture

Beomeosa, nestled in the mountains of Busan, South Korea, holds a significant position within the Korean Zen Buddhism lineage, particularly through its connection to the Jogye Order. Founded in 678 AD, its historical importance is intertwined with the transmission of Zen teachings. The temple has served as a crucial training center for monks following the Seon (Zen) tradition, emphasizing meditation and direct experience as paths to enlightenment. Beomeosa's lineage can be traced back to prominent figures in Korean Zen, influencing the development of unique Korean Zen practices.

The temple's architecture and artwork often reflect Zen Buddhist principles. The unadorned simplicity of certain structures contrasts with the vibrant artistry of others, symbolizing the balance between emptiness and form, a core concept in Zen. Beomeosa has also played a vital role in preserving and promoting the practice of Zen meditation. The temple regularly hosts intensive meditation retreats, attracting practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and experience of Zen.

Furthermore, Beomeosa's abbots have often been influential Zen masters, guiding the community and shaping the direction of Zen practice within the temple. Their teachings and leadership have contributed to the temple's reputation as a center for authentic Zen training. The temple's ongoing commitment to the Zen tradition ensures its continued importance as a place of practice and learning for those seeking to follow the path of Zen Buddhism.

Beomeosa

Did You Know?

Foundation Year

Golden Fish

Mountain Location

Multiple Reconstructions

Highlights from Reviews

Location