전라남도 불교의 숨은 보물창고, 장흥 가지산 보림사

At the foot of Mt. Gajisan in Bongdeok-ri, Yuchi-myeon, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, lies Borimsa Temple (寶林寺), founded in 860 (the fourth year of King Heonan's reign in Silla) by Master Chejing (體澄), the third-generation founder of the Gajisan School, the first of the nine mountain schools of Seon Buddhism. Borimsa Temple is considered one of the "three major Borimsa temples in the world," along with those in India and China. Therefore, Buddhist circles sometimes refer to it as the "head temple of Korean Seon Buddhism." Borimsa Temple is currently a branch temple of Songgwangsa Temple, the headquarters of the 21st district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Borimsa Temple is also considered one of the "hidden treasure troves of Honam Buddhism." Borimsa Temple houses two three-story stone pagodas (North and South) and a stone lantern, designated National Treasure No. 44. Two national treasures, including the Iron Seated Vairocana Buddha of Borimsa Temple (National Treasure No. 117), and eight treasures, including the Wooden Four Guardian Kings of Borimsa Temple (Treasure No. 1254), the oldest and only one dating back to before the Imjin War. The main Buddhist hall, Daeungbojeon, is a two-story pavilion-style structure. Originally designated National Treasure No. 204, but was later revoked after it was burned during the Korean War. The most important attraction at Borimsa Temple is Myeongbujeon Hall. In Myeongbujeon Hall, a lion statue sits at the center of the roof's ridge, flanked by two dragons stretching their bodies. Three walls are painted with vivid depictions of hell. Another specialty of Borimsa Temple is its "Boram Mineral Spring." Mineral springs have long gushed from the center of Borimsa Temple's courtyard. Their high quality and delicious taste have earned them designation as one of Korea's "100 Best Waters." At the foot of Gajisan Mountain, east of Borimsa Temple, stands a dense forest of zelkova trees, some over 300 years old. Beneath them stretches the expansive Cheongtaejeon tea fields, long renowned for their exquisite teas. Around these fields stretches the approximately 600-meter "Cheongtaejeon Tea Road," a stroll along which is a delightful addition to your Borimsa experience. Highlights 02:05 Wooden Four Heavenly Kings of Borimsa Temple, National Treasure No. 1254 02:48 Three-story Stone Pagodas and Stone Lanterns, National Treasure No. 44 03:57 Iron Seated Vairocana Buddha, National Treasure No. 117 04:39 Daeungbojeon Hall, a two-story pavilion 06:15 Lions and Dragons on the Ridge of Myeongbujeon Hall 07:37 Amitabha Hall and Amitabha Buddha 09:42 Treasure No. 158, Monument to the Founding of Master Bojo 10:08 Treasure No. 157, Borimsa Temple Pagoda 11:05 Borim Mineral Spring