Woljeongsa, Buddhist temple in Jinbu-myeon, South Korea
Woljeongsa is a Buddhist temple complex in a forested setting with multiple buildings including teaching halls, living quarters, and a main prayer hall surrounded by thick stands of fir trees. The structures spread across the hillside, creating a cohesive arrangement of religious and residential spaces.
A monk named Jajang founded the temple in the mid-7th century during a queen's reign, making it one of the earliest Buddhist sites in the region. Its establishment marks a key period in the spread of Buddhist practice across this part of the country.
The temple functions as an administrative hub for numerous smaller monasteries across the region, shaping religious life beyond its own grounds. Its influence extends through networks that connect many houses of worship in the wider area.
Visitors can stay overnight and participate in prayer ceremonies, meditation sessions, and eat vegetarian meals prepared by the monks. These stays offer insight into daily monastic life and require adapting to traditional rules and schedules.
The path from the main gate to the bridge stretches for about a kilometer through a forest of thousands of fir trees, creating a long, quiet passage through living pillars. This tree tunnel is often the first memorable experience for visitors entering the grounds.
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