JIKJISA TEMPLE
Temple with buildings, one of the most beautiful and ancient in Korea, founded in 418 by the monk Ado of Goguryeo under King Nul-ji.
This large temple, famous for its autumn colours, has more than 20 buildings and is one of the oldest in Korea. It was founded in 418 under King Nulji (417,458) by the monk Teen who introduced Buddhism to the kingdom of Silla. Teen would have pointed to this mountain and said that a great temple would rise in this place, which gave the name of the temple ("temple of direct designation"). It was rebuilt by the monk Jajang in 645, then enlarged under King Taejo of Goryeo (10th century) who wanted to make it the largest temple in East Asia. It hosted famous monks such as the monk Samyeong who organized troops to fight the Japanese in 1592 and negotiated the peace treaty in 1604. However, the temple was burned during the invasions and rebuilt in the 17th century. Most of the current buildings date from this period, but there were subsequent reconstructions and restorations.
We pass through the usual doors in a beautiful undergrowth and arrive at the main courtyard. The main Daeungjeong hall dates from 1735 and contains 6 m long paintings from 1744. Not all buildings can be visited because some are places of residence. They are all elegant and located in small courtyards with well-kept gardens. This large temple is a rather small village with the monks in their private houses, its alleys shaded by maples and planted with flowers, the small stream that flows through it. During the week, there is a real atmosphere of peace and harmony.
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