Okcheon Yongamsa Temple (용암사)

Yongamsa Temple was built in the 13th year under the reign of King Jinheung of the Silla dynasty. This temple of thousand years of history boasts stunning landscape and was selected by CNN Travel as one of the 50 beautiful places to visit in South Korea. Don't miss out watching the East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas and Standing Rock-carved Buddha that were created during the Goryeo dynasty. The East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas face each other according to the idea called sancheon-bibo, which means to build pagodas or structures to raise spirit of mountains and streams. The two pagodas has the same form, even they differ in appearance near the top. The style of each part and the construction method of stone show simplicity. What is remarkable is that the stone pagodas are set up not in front of Daeungjeon Hall but on a low tip of the hill on the northern side of the temple. The location follows the idea of sancheon-bibo, which encourages in forming an ideal site by supplementing natural geographical features and promoting harmony and balance against strong forces. The East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas are the only twin pagodas established according to the teaching of sancheon-bibo. It is maybe for this reason that Yongamsa Temple looks most beautiful when viewed from the location of the East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas. The temple dormitory for Buddhist monks, Jubuljeon Hall, and Cheonbuljeon Hall beyond them form a spectacular scene that is different from that of any other temples. The Standing Rock-carved Buddha behind Daeungjeon Hall in Yongamsa Temple shows the beauty of space like an Oriental painting. The upper part of the imposing rock was only carved out for embossed eaves. Water flows out from the narrow clefts on the foot of the rock and the Buddha is engraved in the middle of the tall rock, looking as if wafting in the air. It is said that Yongamsa Temple was built by Great Master Uishin as he marveled at the graceful shape of the mountain. It was ruined during the Japanese Invasion in 1592, and only maintained its existence, but recently was rebuilt with new Daeungjeon Hall and temple dormitory, restoring its original form. There is a legend that the last prince of the Silla dynasty stayed here for a while on his way to Geumgangsan Mountain when parted from his father, King Gyeongsun, who was about to surrender to Wang Geon, the founder of the Goryeo dynasty, and would bitterly mourn on Yongbawi Rockface looking at the southern sky. Many photographers visit this place in early spring or late autumn, the in-between seasons with a large temperature gap between day and night, as it is a perfect spot to see the exquisite harmony of a sea of clouds and the rising sun. You will be marveled watching Okcheon from Yongamsa Temple at the break of the clear day as you will be able to see the red sun rise through the thick clouds covering the world with its hue.