Exploring the Tranquil Yeongtap Temple in Summer
As summer deepens, the hot days continue. On the day I visited Yeongtap Temple, it was raining, but I took the opportunity to explore the temple while the rain paused.
Upon arrival, I parked in the spacious parking lot at the entrance and slowly made my way inside.
Inside, I first noticed the welcoming signs of Yeongtap Temple. While there are several temples in Dangjin, such as Yeonglangsa, Sinamsa, and Seowonsa, Yeongtap Temple stands out for its size and serene beauty, especially surrounded by lush greenery.
The leaves are now fully green, covering the trees beautifully. Yeongtap Temple is home to six Zelkova trees designated as beautiful trees by Dangjin City, each over 110 to 200 years old. In summer, their foliage is abundant, and the autumn colors are stunning.
Yeongtap Temple is part of the Wonhyo Enlightenment Trail, connecting to Anguksaji. At the foot of the mountain, there are signposts indicating walking paths. After exploring the temple, you can hike up the mountain along these trails.
Ascending to the temple courtyard, the Daeungjeon hall immediately catches the eye. Nestled at the foot of Mount Sangwang, the temple is backed by a beautiful pine forest. Yeongtap Temple is a branch of Sudoksa, the main temple of the 7th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, founded by Master Doseon during the late Unified Silla period.
During the Goryeo Dynasty, the monk Jinul built a five-story stone pagoda in front of the current Daeungjeon, naming it Yeongtap Temple. Later, monks Muhak and Jacho carved a Buddha statue from a natural rock at the site of the current main hall and reconstructed the temple.
The existing structures at Yeongtap Temple include Daeungjeon, Yurigwangjeon, Sanshingak, Yosachae, Inbeopdang, and Jeokmukdang. Entering the temple courtyard, Daeungjeon stands proudly at the center with the surrounding Yosachae buildings, creating a balanced and harmonious view.
Daeungjeon was built in 1988, featuring five bays in the front and three on the sides. Inside, it houses a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha along with Ksitigarbha and other Bodhisattva figures. There is also a small bronze bell, approximately 60 cm tall and 46 cm in diameter, presumed to be from the Joseon Dynasty, designated as a cultural asset of South Chungcheong Province.
Despite its modest size, the temple is beautifully crafted. Inside Yurigwangjeon, you can find a stone statue of the Medicine Buddha, a cultural asset of Chungcheongnam-do. This statue, while lacking in refinement, has a friendly presence, representing the local style of the Goryeo period.
According to legend, during the late Goryeo period, Jacho prayed here, and a miraculous rock formation appeared, prompting him to create the Buddha statue in hopes of peace for the nation.
The plaque hanging in the hall is said to be written by the son of a woman from Daechi, Myeoncheon-myeon, who prayed for a hundred days at the stone Buddha in 1835.
Among the cultural properties of Yeongtap Temple, the golden bronze statues of the three Bodhisattvas, created in the mid-Goryeo period, are designated as treasures. These statues, with a height of 51 cm, are uniquely depicted as emerging from a lotus flower, seated on a lotus pedestal.
A new building has been erected on the left side of the courtyard, where these treasures are housed. Next to the golden bronze statues is the Jeoseokcheondongdo, a protective deity of the teachings of Buddha.
As you ascend behind Yurigwangjeon, you will find a seven-story stone pagoda on the cliff. Following the path slowly, you can discover it without a separate base, uniquely constructed on the natural rock. Originally a five-story pagoda built by Jinul, it was raised to seven stories during restoration in 1911.
The sight of the pagoda standing on the rock is both magnificent and intriguing. The slender structure stands tall, creating a stunning view.
Spending time at the peaceful Yeongtap Temple while enjoying our cultural heritage is truly delightful. The serene appearance of the temple and its stable layout against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains resembles an Oriental painting.
In the summer at Yeongtap Temple, I encountered beautiful flowers. The garden is filled with many blooming daylilies, creating a lovely and vibrant scene.
Previously, there was a jar stand, but this time I noticed it beside the stone steps leading to Sanshingak, enhancing the view. Although it's not large, the jars lined up together create a pleasing sight, especially under the rain.
As I made my way back towards Yeongtap Temple and down towards the village, I came across the Jeolgolsoryuji. Even in summer, exploring Yeongtap Temple and immersing myself in its tranquil atmosphere is truly enjoyable.
After this visit, it would also be nice to explore Myeoncheon Fortress, Goljeongji, and Myeoncheon Hyanggyo.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224351851578
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