Jeongamsa Temple

The temple of Silla Kingdom located on Taebaeksan Mountain in Gohan-ri, Gohan-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do. A monk named Jajang Yulsa built this temple in 12th year of Queen Seondoek's reign after having prayed from the heart in Odaesan Mountain in Tang and receiving Jinsin sari (sacred remains) of Soekgamoni, the Buddha from Munsu Bosal. Jeongamsa Temple is one of Korea's 5 Shrines for Sakyamuni Buddha's Sarira along with Sangwonsa Temple in Odaesan Mountain, Yangsan Tongdosa Temple, Yeongwol Beopheungsa Temple, Bongjeongam Hermitage in Seoraksan Mountain.

Characteristic: The only temple that does not have the statue of the Buddha

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Tourist guide

Even if this temple is the smallest one among Korea's 5 Shrines for Sakyamuni Buddha's Sarira, Jeongamsa Temple is the most-visited temple by tour bus for pilgrimage from all over the country. As Jeongamsa Temple stores Buddha's sarira, there is no statue of the Buddah in the temple. Instead, Sumanotap Pagoda where sarira and relics are stored is behind the temple. The Pagoda was set up by Jajang Yulsa using agate he brought from Tang. There is 'Su' (meaning water in Korean) in the name because the monk could move agate with the help of the Dragon King of the sea. Neat and simple temple makes you feel calmer. Jeongamsa Temple is famous as the place where one's wish comes true if praying with all his heart, so is more crowded in New Year's Day or the season of college entrance exams.

Tourist Tips

Jeongamsa Temple in Jeongseon is located 3 hours way from Seoul by car. It was designated as Gangwon-do's Cultural Property No. 32 in June 2, 1984. There is a Jeok Myeol Gung, a shrine hall without the statue of the Buddha, which was built to worship the incident that Jajang Yulsa stored Seokga Yeorae (the Buddha)'s sarira in Sumanotap Pagoda during Queen Seondoek's reign in Silla Kingdom. Sumanotap Pagoda (Treasure No. 410) was named because the Dragon King of the West sea transferred the agate (Manoseok in Korean) above the water. The current figure of Sumanotap Pagoda was made during restoration in 1653. Inside the Pagoda are teeth, Buddhist prayer beads, etc. Walking towards Sumanotap Pagoda passing through tall needle-leaf trees and beautiful foliage, you will feel like all the wordly worries disappear. The views of the temple overlooking from Sumanotap Pagoda looks simple but fascinating.