Gwangyang Seongbulsa Designated as Traditional Temple

The Founding Legend of Seon Gak Guk Sa Doseon in the Unified Silla Period and Recognition of Its Traditional Dharma Lineage

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] Gwangyang City, Jeollanam-do announced on the 29th that Seongbulsa Temple of the Daehan Buddhism Yonghwajong, which holds historical significance and cultural value as a national cultural heritage, was designated as a traditional temple through the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's announcement on the 26th.

A traditional temple is one that clearly reflects historical and era-specific characteristics, is recognized as particularly necessary for understanding the flow of Korea's unique Buddhism, culture, arts, and architectural history, or serves as a typical model when examining the formation and changes of Korean culture. Such temples are designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Traditional Temple Preservation Committee, composed of experts with extensive knowledge and experience in Buddhist culture and cultural assets.

Gwangyang Seongbulsa is said to be a temple related to Seongak Guksa Doseon, who played a central role in Gwangyang Buddhism, and is a historic temple presumed to have had significant influence over the Baegunsan area for a long time since its founding.

Until the 19th century, it was one of the representative temples of Baegunsan where monks practiced and the people prayed.

It was called ‘成佛寺 (Seongbulsa)’, meaning ‘the place of becoming Buddha,’ and the valley is also named Seongbul Valley, indicating the influence Seongbulsa had over the entire Gwangyang area.

In 1965, Seongbulsa was rebuilt by Muhyeon Seonsa, who constructed a small three-room thatched hermitage on the ruins and practiced asceticism. In 1974, together with Monk Beopgwang, they began building the Daeungjeon Hall (currently Jijangjeon), monks’ quarters, the Four Heavenly Kings Gate, the Bell Pavilion, and cast a 500-kwan bronze bell. They completed the Daejabojin Hall and Gwaneum Hall, and in 1995, received five relics of the Buddha’s true body from the Thai Supreme Patriarch Praphata, erecting a five-story great stupa, completing its current form.

This designation as a traditional temple began with historical research in 2020, followed by gathering expert opinions and holding academic conferences. The application for designation was submitted in September 2021, and after on-site investigations by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, thorough verification, and in-depth review, it was designated as a traditional temple.

Beopgwang, the head monk of Seongbulsa, stated, “We will develop Seongbulsa as a temple that preserves tradition, thoroughly investigate cultural heritage, and continue the lineage of tradition. We will do our best to preserve the traditional temple and cultural heritage in Baegunsan Seongbul Valley, which holds historical significance as a national cultural heritage.”

Jung Inhwa, mayor of Gwangyang City, said, “I sincerely welcome the designation of a traditional temple that preserves the lineage of tradition. We will spare no administrative support to continue the traditional Dharma lineage and preserve cultural heritage, and we will strive for the development of Buddhist culture in Gwangyang City through this opportunity.”

With this, Gwangyang City now has three traditional temples: Daehan Buddhism Yonghwajong Bonggang Seongbulsa (2022), Daehan Buddhism Jogyejong Okryong Baegwunsa (1988), and Daehan Buddhism Jogyejong Gwangyang-eup Bogwangsa (1988).

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.