Bulyeongsa Temple, Buddhist temple in Uljin County, South Korea.
Bulyeongsa Temple stands on the western slope of Cheonchuk Mountain in Uljin County, founded in 651 by the monk Uisang. Its name comes from a Buddha-shaped rock whose reflection appears in the pond in front of the temple. The grounds hold Daeungbojeon Hall (Treasure 1201), Eungjinjeon Hall (Treasure 730), a three-story stone pagoda, and a pair of stone turtles supporting the main hall's platform.
Bulyeongsa was founded in 651 by the monk Uisang at the foot of Cheonchuk Mountain's western slope near Uljin, during the reign of Queen Jindeok of Silla. Over its history the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times. It is now the largest Buddhist nunnery in Korea and functions as a meditation centre for nuns.
The temple spaces feature colorful wooden carvings and religious symbols that shape the daily spiritual experience of visitors. The rooms convey a sense of continuous meditation and prayer that has been maintained through generations.
Access is provided via maintained roads and a visit pairs easily with hiking in the surrounding mountains. Good footwear is advisable, as many paths pass through natural terrain that feels different depending on the season.
The name comes from a rock on the western ridge shaped like a Buddha, whose reflection falls on the pond in front of the temple. Two stone turtles support the Daeungbojeon platform; they were placed there as incarnations of the East Sea Dragon King to suppress the fire energy of the temple site.
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