Donghwasa is a Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order in northern Daegu, South Korea. The temple is located in the shadow of Palgongsan, within the boundaries of Dohak-dong, Dong-gu. Donghwasa represents the spirit of Pongwhang (a majestic, legendary bird).
A popular time to visit the temple is during October and November when the leaves are changing colors.
[edit] History
Donghwasa was founded by a hwasang monk named Geukdal in 493 A.D. (the 15th year of the reign of King Soji. The name was originally called Yugasa, until it was changed to Donghwasa in 832 A.D., in the 42nd year of King Heungduk of the Shilla Dynasty), during the time that the main building and affiliated facilities were being enlarged by a Taesa monk named Shimji, the King's tutor.
During the Japanese invasion of 1592, Taesa Samyeong established the general headquarters of a militia of Buddhist monks and fought against the Japanese. The Yeongnam-dochongsup (regional administration) was one at Donghwasa and administered all the temples in Gyeongsang-do.
Currently, Donghwasa is one of five major temples of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and is the main temple of the 9th Buddhist Sector, which administers the temples in Daegu, Cheongdo-gun, Goryeong-gun, Seongju-gun, and Chilgok-gun of Gyeongsangbuk-do.
[edit] Hermitages
Around Donghwasa, there are six affiliated hermitages, including Geumdang-am, Biro-am, Yangjin-am, and Yeombul-am.
[edit] Buildings
The present buildings were mostly built during the reign of King Yeongjo, including the Great Hall, Yeongyeong-jeon, Cheontae-gak, Yeongsan-jeon, Bongseo-nu, Singeun-dang, Eunghyang-gak, and the Cheonan Gate.
The Unification Great Medicine Buddha Statue, the largest original stone Buddha in the world, was established through donations showing a strong desire for Korean reunification.
[edit] Directions
From Dongdaegu Station, you can take bus #105 or 131. The quickest bus is the Geubhaeng 2 express bus which has less stops on its route than city buses. A central stop for this bus is across from Migliore in downtown Daegu.
[edit] External Links
