Beomeosa Temple, Busan

During the 18th year of King Munmu reign of the Silla dynasty, a large group of Japanese invaders attempted to attack. The king was very concerned about the invaders’ barbarous acts. One day, in the king’s dream, a mountain guardian spirit told him to go to the top of the mountain and the god would reveal how to defeat the invaders. The king went to the mountain with a priest, Uisangdaesa, and followed the god’s instructions. Then, the invaders were easily defeated. The king was really happy and gave thanks to the god. He also ordered  Uisangdaesa to build a temple, and the temple is Beomeosa.

At the top of the mountain, there is a well with golden colored water which never dries up. Legend has it that a gold-colored fish had lived there. The temple was named from “gold spring (Guemsaem)” and “fish from heaven.” [www.beomeosa.co.kr]

 

On the morning of my second day in Busan, I took the subway to Beomeosa station to check out one of Busan's most famous sights, Beomeosa. Though located rather far into the mountains, I was surprised how easily I reached it. The bus takes you nearly to the entrance of the temple so even if you're not a hiking person, there's no reason why you shouldn't come by and check this place out.

Originally built in 1614, Iljumun, or One Pillar Gate is the first gate into the temple. It's unusual form, makes it seem as though it's supported by only one pillar if looked at from a side view. It's said to symbolize the one true path to enlightenment. It's also considered "Tangible Cultural Asset #2" by the Korean government.

Many buildings look as though they've been well maintained and restored. As with most Korean temples, it's full of color.

 

Other buildings have not been restored recently and you can see the worn paint and faded colors. It's a different sort of charm here.

Daeungjeon- Main hall of Beomeosa

I got a little confused while coming here. When you get out of the subway station, do not look for the bus directly outside of the subway station. Even though there is a bus that says it goes to 범어 사앞 or something to that effect, that doesn't mean to the top of the mountain. When you come out of the subway station from exit 5 or 7, do a 180˚ and go up the side street 100-200 meters. There  you can find a bus station (see photo below) and you can take bus 90 to the temple. It's the first stop the bus makes, and you'll know it when you see it.

For more info about Beomeosa check out the temple's website or the wikipedia page which both have useful information in English.