Photo Exhibition of ‘Gokseong Cheontaeam’ Embracing the Sea of Clouds (Unhae) Held

Published 29 May.2024 09:18(KST)

From June 1 to 25
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Solo Exhibition at Gwangju 'ACC Design Hotel Gallery'

A traditional temple called Cheontaeam, located in Moksadong-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, will hold an invitational exhibition titled 'Cheontaeam Cloud Garden' from June 1 to 25 at the 'ACC Design Hotel Gallery' in Chungjang-ro, Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Cheontaeam is a temple founded in 665 by the monk Hyeam Yulsa, preserving a long history as a thousand-year-old hermitage. It holds significant historical value as the place where Bojoguksa Jinul, a founding patriarch of the Jogye Order, stayed while renovating Songgwangsa to reform Goryeo Buddhism. In 2020, it was designated as a traditional temple by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

[Photo by Gokseong-gun]

The invitational exhibition artist, Najonghwa, has been steadily photographing the scenery of Cheontaeam since 2018 and held a photo exhibition within the Cheontaeam precincts in 2022, playing a role in revealing the hidden beauty of Cheontaeam, a traditional temple of Gokseong-gun.

The exhibition features a total of 26 photographs capturing the breathtaking views of Cheontaeam.

Cheontaeam served as a secluded training site where eminent monks stayed for over a thousand years and has only recently been opened to the public.

Located at an elevation of 520 meters on the western 9th ridge of Amisan Mountain (altitude 587m), it offers an outstanding view that captivates visitors.

To the right lies Mudeungsan, a famous mountain in Honam; in the center is Mohusan in Hwasun; and to the left spreads Jogyesan in Suncheon like a folding screen, while the Daehwang River flows gracefully embracing the area.

Especially, due to the influence of nearby Juam Lake, fog frequently occurs here, creating a vast sea of clouds in front of Cheontaeam, evoking the illusion of white waves rippling.

The chief monk of Cheontaeam, who planned the exhibition, said, “This exhibition is a great opportunity to appreciate the special charm of Cheontaeam, a hidden cultural heritage of Gokseong-gun,” and added, “We hope many people will join us.”