BUSEOKSA TEMPLE

This beautiful temple is a little difficult to access, but it really deserves the detour because it possesses unique treasures. It was founded in 676 by the monk Uisang of Silla who brought to China the teaching of the Secte sect, «of the flower of flowers». This sect was dominant in Korea for about 5 centuries before being replaced by that of Jogye. Buseoksa, the "floating rock temple" is always the centre of this sect. His name comes from the legend attached to him. To protect it from demons, a rock came float over the main hall when it was built. This calligraphy rock is on the left side of this hall. We climb the temple through a beautiful path lined with trees and apple fields. On the right there were 2 stone mounts that were used to set up a huge pole where flags were flying; this custom that disappeared was practised under Silla. We arrive in a courtyard where 2 pagodas go back to the temple foundation. On the left is a newly built hall of construction where the oldest Buddhist wood paintings in the country are exposed. They represent 2 bodhisattvas and 4 celestial guards, and they date from Goryeo. They were once in the main lobby. There are more old planks of xylogravure, also dating from Goryeo, engraved by the Avatamsaka Avatamsaka ("the flower of flowers") which gave his name to the sect. The higher is another courtyard with residential buildings and a staircase passes under the beautiful flag of the bell to arrive at the superior courtyard. From this place the view on the valley is magnificent. Most of the buildings of this temple miraculously escaped the Japanese destruction. Its main hall Muryangsujeon is thus the oldest wooden structure in the country (some say that it would actually be the small hall Geungnakjeon of the temple Bongjeongsa near Andong, but it is far from being so imposing). He was a golfer in the middle of the th century. It is well preserved and fairly large, but its architecture is rather simple. This hall is not only precious in itself by its ancienneté, but also houses a magnificent golden clay Buddha. Strangely placed against the left wall, he has a magnificent flammes of flames in his back. This Buddha is the only one in this material. Opposite the lobby is a great lantern of Joseon's Stone. The higher on the right is a path to Josadang, the second oldest building in the complex dating back to 1372. He is dedicated to Uisang. Nearby, the Nahanjeon Hall contains 2 Statues stone statues dating from the th century. There is at the entrance of the temple some yeogwans and minbaks, as well as restaurants in a pleasant site. Alternatively, you can sleep in the village of Buseok 4 km lower. There is a clean motel with ondol rooms or 30 000-won bed and restaurants on the main street.