Jikjisa Temple was founded by Venerable Ado in 418 ACE. Given the 1700-year history of Korean Buddhism, this temple is one of the oldest temples established in the Korean peninsula. The name of the temple, โJikjiโ which refers to โpointing directlyโ to the Original Mind (or known as Buddha Nature), is derived from the teaching of Seon (Zen) Buddhism. The Original Mind is a fundamental mind of all living beings, which is free from negative thoughts and defilements. Buddha says we will become enlightened by directly seeing the Original Mind without depending on words and letters.
Jikjisa Temple, located at the foot of Hwangaksan Mountain in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, was constructed in 418, during the second year of Silla Kingdom King Nuljiโs reign. This temple is in perfect harmony with the nearby valley and pine forest. The foliage in fall is particularly breathtaking. The temple grounds include Birojeon Hall (also known as Cheonbuljeon Hall), in which approximately 1,000 Buddha statues are enshrined, along with thousand-year-old arrowroot. The temple grounds also include Iljumun Gate, Daeungjeon Hall, and a 1.63 meter-tall Seated Stone Buddhist Statue (Treasure No. 319) from the Unified Silla Period.
Incredible ambiance and surroundings, with a stream nearby, fresh air, you get so much inner peace. One of the oldest temples, Wonderful experience! Very informative and peaceful. The temple is surrounded by nature and has very beautiful views. Some many sculptures and artworks seemed to be historical artifacts of Korea, harmonized with nature and the temple. There are few more attractions like museums and parks near it so it will be nice if you are planning to experience Korean tradition.
Gorgeous temple and grounds in the hills of Gimcheon. The abundant cherry blossoms were blooming, not only pretty but smelled so good. Some limited English is spoken here. It is so peaceful and beautiful. You really learn to relax and slow down. The chanting/bowing was accompanied by drums and gongs that were beautifully haunting. One can experience meditation hikes, tea ceremonies, the monks give information about Buddhism. Just an incredible experience. Stay at least one night to recharge. The rooms are bare; you sleep on a very thin mat (more like a towel) on heated bamboo floors. The participants will experience the monkโs daily life during a 1night 2day temple stay program. The day of the temple starts at 3:30 am and closes at 9:00 pm. The temple stays program will be served like โAttending Morning/Evening Chanting Ceremonyโ, โBuddhist Meal-Balwoo Mealโ, โ108 times Bowingโ, โSeon Meditationโ, etc.
Gimcheon in which Jikjisa Temple is located is about halfway between Seoul and Busan, which are the first and second biggest cities in Korea. The Gyeongbu Line (Seoul-Busan Train Line) passes Gimcheon Station, thus this may be the perfect destination for you if you love traveling by train. You may want to take the KTX (Korea Train Express), the high-speed railway from Seoul, Gimcheon-Gumi Station is the nearest station to come.
