Baekyangsa is a Buddhist temple located in Jangseong county, Jeollanam-do. It is one of the head temples of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is inside the borders of Naejangsan National Park, and in the foothills of Baekamsan (Mt. Baekam).
[edit] History
The temple reportedly dates to the 7th century, and was originally named Baekamsa, presumably after the nearby mountain. In the 11th century the temple was called Jeongtosa, and in 1574 it became Baekyangsa. According to legend, a white sheep appeared to a Buddhist preacher in a dream and said that, though he was transformed into a sheep as punishment for a crime, he would soon be reborn and go to heaven. The next day the carcass of a white sheep was found at the spot of the priest's teachings, hence the name "백양" or "white sheep" [1].
The temple has had a long history of name-switching, destruction, and restoration. In 1950 much of the site was destroyed by fire. In the 1980s and 1990s, several buildings were restored, and a few new buildings were erected. Construction continues today on new structures.
[edit] Grounds
There is a string of Korean restaurants lining the long driveway to the temple grounds. Once visitors arrive at the Baekyangsa parking lot, they walk along a short path that leads past a pond to the temple site and structures. Beyond the temples is a winding hiking trail that passes several stuctures---both new and overgrown---and ends at a stone staircase leading to a small temple atop one of the peaks. A short distance from this upper temple is a staircase that leads downhill to a shrine, a cave, and a 약수터 (natural spring). The trail then continues up Baekamsa mountain, 730 meters high. Several trails run throughout the grounds, including a long 10-kilometer course that connects to Naejangsa. For more information on hiking around Baekamsan, please visit this site.
There are 22 main structures on the grounds[2]., including five Jangseong Cultural Treasures [3].
- Geukrakbojeon - Jangseong Cultural Property no. 32. It is the oldest building at Baekyangsa, reportedly dating to the 16th century [4].
- Daewungjeon - Jangseong Cultural Property no. 43. This large lecture hall has been rebuilt 5 times, most recently in 1917[5].
- Sacheonwangmun - Jangseong Cultural Property no. 44. Like many temple gates, this was build to prevent evil spirits from entering. It also was built to honor Sacheonwang, a Buddhist diety [6].
- Soyodaesabudo - holds the remains of the monk Soyo. It is a stone bell-shaped tomb with an octogonal base and animal carvings on top and bottom.
- Cheongryuam Gwaneumjeon - Cultural data no. 179, originally built in 1350, rebuilt in 1945.
- Northern-most limits of Japanese nutmeg trees - a small forest of nutmeg trees grow near Baekyangsa and Naejangsa temples. It was designated as Natural Monument no. 153 in 1962. [7].
[edit] Getting There
- From Gwangju: Baekyangsa is a one-hour bus ride from Gwangju. Buses leave from Gwangju Central Bus Terminal once per hour between 6 am to 7:50 p.m.
- From Jangseong: Buses arrive at the temple from the terminal in Jangseong-eup.
- From Seoul: Buses heading toward the temple leave from the terminal in Gangnam.
The admission for adults is 2,800 won; for teenagers, 1,300 won; and for children 12-and-under, 700 won.
[edit] External Links
