Beomeosa is a Buddhist temple in Cheongnyong-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea. Built on the slopes of Geumjeongsan, it is one of the country's leading urban temples. It was constructed in 678 during the reign of Shilla king Munmu, by the monk Ui-sang [1]. It became known as one of the ten great temples of the Hwaeom sect, although like most Korean temples it was later assimilated into the Jogye Order. At its largest, during the Koryo dynasty, it was much larger than it is today - with over 360 rooms and more than a thousand monks in residence. The temple was burned to the ground in 1592 during the Japanese Imjin Invasion. It was reconstructed in 1602, but was burned again by an accidental fire. In 1613 it was rebuilt again. The Main Hall (Taeungjon) and the front gate (Iljumun) date to this reconstruction.
The temple complex has several buildings and other objects which are designated as official treasures:
National Treasure 250 - Three Story Stone Pagoda
National Treasure 434 - Taeungjon
Tangible Cultural Asset 2 - Iljumun
Tangible Cultural Asset 11 - Wonhyoam Eastern Pagoda
Tangible Cultural Asset 12 - Wonhyoam Western Pagoda
Tangible Cultural Asset 15 - Flag Pole Holder (Jiju) [2]
Tangible Cultural Asset 16 - Stone Lamp [3]
In addition to the main temple compound, there are eleven hermitages or smaller temples (am) nearby and administratively attached to Pomosa.
Chongnyong-am (Blue Lotus Hermitage) [4]
Naewon-am (Buddha's Celestial Teaching Hall Hermitage) [5]
Gyemyeong-am (Rooster's Crow Hermitage) [6]
Daesong-am (Great Saint Hermitage) [7]
Geumgang-am (Diamond Hermitage) [8]
Anyang-am (Peace Nurturing Hermitage)
Mireuk-am (Maitreya Hermitage) [9]
Wonhyo-am (Former hermitage residence of the famous monk, Wonhyo) [10]
Saja-am (Lion Hermitage)[11]
Mansong-am (Great Teacher Hermitage) [12]
Jijang-am (Ksitigarbha Hermitage) [13]
Beomeosa is located in the north part of Pusan, Korea. It is accessible from the Busan subway line 1 - Beomeosa Station). From the station walk east up the road to the #90 bus stop (about 200 meters) the bus runs every 30 minutes. Or hire a taxi; the trip should not exceed the standard fare by too much.
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