Visiting this Temple is like entering a space in time, where the peace of the mountains that surround it makes this place spiritual, unique both because of its statues which are different from each other in styles and shapes, which come from all parts of Asia, and for the particular atmosphere that welcomes the visitor and accompanies him in a moment of true serenity.
The Waujeongsa Temple, in Yongin, South Korea, is an imposing and fascinating work of art that attracts visitors from all over the world. At first glance, the many statues with different and particular styles can leave you amazed but despite everything, this is what makes it special and original, differentiating it from the other Buddhist temples that you will find in South Korea.
Among the many statues found in this temple, the first statue that is impossible not to notice as soon as you arrive in front of the entrance to the Temple is the golden head of Buddha, which is made of stone and measures approximately 8 meters in height, demonstrating the mastery and commitment of its creators.
The vision of this enormous head, surrounded by the green of the trees and the colors that nature offers in this Korean region, transports the visitor to a fascinating place of worship, immersed in the tranquility and peace of the surrounding mountains. The temple houses, in addition to the imposing Buddha head, the Yeolbanjeon Hall, the Daegakjeon Hall and the Beomjonggak Pavilion, and you can find twelve stone statues representing the signs of the Chinese zodiac.
The temple is home to unique Buddha statues from across Asia, including the Stone Tower of Unity, built with stones from Buddhist sacred sites around the world, to the left of the tower is the main hall of the temple. The recently built main hall lacks the traditional dancheong color scheme, the famous red, blue and light blue colors and decorations that make Korean Buddhist temples so unique. Inside the main hall is a collection of five statues centered by Birojana-bul (the Buddha of cosmic energy). And to the right of the main hall is a golden twelve-ton Unification bell that was used in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Waujeongsa is a relatively new temple, founded in 1970 by a North Korean monk named Kim Hae Geum. The temple is the headquarters of the Korean Buddhist Nirvana Order and an enduring symbol of its deep hope for a reunified Korea (stemming from its displacement from the North during the Korean War). Surrounded by the 48 stunning mountain peaks of the Yeonhwasan Mountain Range, Waujeonsa Temple, as I mentioned, features over 3,000 different Buddha statues from around the world. The wooden golden head, called Buldu, is the largest of its kind, and has been recognized as such, including in the Guinness Book of Records. The Wabul (Reclining Buddha) is another famous statue of the temple. Made from an imported Indonesian juniper, it is 3 meters high and 12 meters long. The Wabul at Waujeongsa Temple is one of the largest of this style.
Most of these statues were donated to the Order by monks and leaders from different countries, so you will be able to see a huge variety of statues all around the grounds of Waujeongsa Temple, to visit them all there are some hills to climb, so be prepared to do a bit of trekking. Nothing that demanding though, so anyone can visit this temple, families with children and elderly people, furthermore around just before the entrance to the temple, you will find restaurants where you can stop to rest and also to eat.
This Buddhist temple is known for its traditional architecture and serene atmosphere that invites reflection and meditation. The complex is made up of several buildings with intricate details, including pavilions, prayer rooms and beautiful Zen gardens. Visitors are often greeted by the soothing sound of the temple bells and the breathtaking view of the surrounding natural landscape, which changes with the seasons, offering a spectacle of color at any time of the year.
Wawujeongsa Temple is also a major center for spiritual activities, offering retreat and meditation programs for those seeking to deepen their Buddhist practice or simply want a moment of peace away from the busyness of everyday life.
If you are on holiday and passing through Gyeonggi-do, and in the autumn period, with the explosion of colors that Korea embraces in that period, a stop at the temple is advisable, to be able to relax and leave a prayer of protection for you and your family, you will in turn feel embraced by a peace that will never leave you.
cover photo credit Paola Pelissa
Below is the link to get to Waujeongsa Temple
Paola Pelissa