Main temple for Jogye Korean Buddhism, with a large main hall & large seated Buddha statue.

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Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Temple, nestled in the heart of Seoul, serves as the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, a lineage deeply rooted in Seon (Zen) practice. Unlike many ancient temples secluded in mountains, Jogyesa stands prominently amidst the urban landscape, a deliberate choice reflecting its central role in modern Korean Buddhism. Its main hall, Daeungjeon, is remarkably large, housing three golden Buddhas that represent the past, present, and future. The temple's courtyard is often adorned with vibrant displays of chrysanthemums, particularly during autumn festivals, creating a stunning visual contrast against the temple's traditional architecture. A notable feature is the ancient lacebark pine tree, estimated to be over 500 years old, standing as a silent witness to the temple's history and the evolving cityscape around it. The temple played a significant role in the democratization movement of the 1990s, offering sanctuary to activists and serving as a focal point for peaceful protests. This active engagement in social issues distinguishes Jogyesa from other temples, highlighting its commitment to contemporary society.

Introduction

Jogyesa Temple, located in Jongno, Seoul, is the headquarters of the Jogye-jong Order, the largest Buddhist Order in Korea, and offers a unique Templestay program. The "Be a True Hero!" Recharging Templestay program provides participants with a one-night, two-day experience focusing on Buddhist ceremonies, arts and crafts, and a temple tour. This program allows individuals to experience various aspects of the temple and Korean Buddhism through a diverse schedule.

The Templestay program fee is 50,000 won for all ages. Reservations can be made online, and it's worth noting the cancellation policy: a 100% refund is available if canceled seven days before the stay, but no refund is given for cancellations one to six days prior.

For those interested in a temple stay in Seoul, Jogyesa is easily accessible via public transportation. You can reach it from Jonggak Subway Station (Line #1), Anguk Subway Station (Line #3), or Gwanghwamun Subway Station (Line #5), with specific directions available from each station. The temple's address is 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, and inquiries can be directed to 02-768-8523 or Jogyesa01@templestay.com.

Templestay Program

As the chief temple of the Jogye Order, Jogyesa Temple holds a central position in Korean Buddhism, embodying the order's principles and historical significance. Originally established in 1910 as Gakhwangsa Temple by monks seeking Korean Buddhism's independence, it became the focal point for resisting Japanese suppression during the colonial era. In 1937, efforts to establish a central headquarters culminated in the construction of Jogyesa's Main Buddha Hall in Seoul in 1938. The temple's name changed to Taegosa in 1938 and then to Jogyesa in 1954, signifying its role as the main temple of the Jogye Order, which integrates Korean Zen and Textual Schools of Buddhism.

Jogyesa Temple serves as the administrative headquarters of the Jogye Order, overseeing approximately 3,000 temples nationwide, including the three Jewel temples: Tongdosa, Haeinsa, and Songgwangsa. Within the temple complex are the Administrative Headquarters of the Jogyesa Order, a Training Center, a Propagation Center, and the Central Council of the Jogye Order. The Historic Cultural Memorial Center of Korea Buddhism, including the Central Buddhist Museum and auditorium, is also located within the Jogyesa Temple complex. The Jogye Order, with its 1,700-year history, bases its teachings on the Seokgamoni Buddha and emphasizes direct insight into one's nature to achieve Buddhahood.

Jogye Order Headquarters

Jogyesa Temple's grounds feature two significant trees, a White Pine and a Chinese Scholar tree, both approximately 500 years old. The White Pine, also known as a Lacebark Pine, stands roughly 10 meters tall and is a designated Natural Monument, reflecting its biological value and rarity. This tree is believed to have been brought to Korea by Chinese missionaries during the Joseon period. Its presence gave the nearby area the name "Susong-dong," with "Song" meaning pine tree.

The Lacebark pine's condition is not optimal due to limited space for growth, with one side bordering a passage and the other adjacent to a building. Despite this, it remains protected due to its rarity. In contrast, the Chinese Scholar tree is notably taller, standing at 26 meters with a circumference of four meters. It silently watches over the temple grounds. These trees predate the construction of the Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) in 1938, built with pine wood from Baekdu Mountain. The trees enhance the temple's atmosphere, providing shade and a connection to the past, surviving wars and holding their ground.

Historic Trees

Daeungjeon, the main dharma hall at Jogyesa Temple, is the largest of its kind in Seoul and translates to "Hall of the Great Hero". Inside Daeungjeon, three resplendent golden Buddha statues represent different stages of Buddha's life. Amitabha Buddha sits to the left, Shakyamuni Buddha occupies the center, and Bhaisaya Buddha is positioned to the right. Photography is typically not permitted inside the prayer hall to avoid disturbing worshippers. The hall is adorned with colorful lanterns, symbolizing wisdom and enlightenment, casting a golden hue throughout the interior.

Before entering Daeungjeon, visitors pass through a gate guarded by four iron statues, each holding symbolic objects and watching over a cardinal direction to protect against evil. The gate signifies the transition from the mortal world to the world of Buddha. The current Daeungjeon was constructed in 1910, though the first Buddhist temple on the site dates back to 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty. The hall also once housed a relic of Sakyamuni Buddha's sarira, brought from Sri Lanka in 1913, before it was moved to a newer pagoda.

Jogyesa Temple

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