Gilsangsa Temple, Buddhist temple in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Gilsangsa Temple is a Buddhist temple in the Seongbuk-dong neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea. It sits on the slopes of Samgaksan Mountain and consists of several buildings, including the Main Hall, Dharma Hall, and Jijang Hall, along with a statue of Avalokitesvara and a bell pavilion.
Gilsangsa was established in 1997 after a former restaurant, Daewongak, was donated to the Buddhist monk Beopjeong. The site was transformed into a temple, and additional buildings were added in the 2000s.
At Gilsangsa, visitors can join meditation sessions or attend tea ceremonies in the Dharma Hall. The temple also offers programs like yoga and sutra copying, which are popular with both locals and tourists.
The temple is open to visitors daily and can be reached by a short walk from the nearest bus stop. Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are on a slope with several stairs and uneven paths.
The Avalokitesvara statue at Gilsangsa was created by the Catholic sculptor Choi Jong-tae, reflecting the temple's spirit of interfaith harmony. The temple also houses a museum dedicated to the monk Beopjeong, displaying his personal belongings and books.
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