While passing through the city of Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do, we saw signs over and over for a temple called Silleuksa. We weren't in any rush so we thought we'd stop by and find out what the fuss was all about. It turns out, we had stumbled across a temple dating all the way back to the Silla dynasty. It was built around 580 AD, and though the temple has been burned and rebuilt several times, like most temples in Korea, it retains many treasures such as a 500 year-old Juniper tree, a 600 year-old Ginko tree, a Goryo period brick pagoda and the portraits of three important monks from the Goryeo dynasty period.
A view inside one of the prayer buildings
Stones containing the sari of past monks.
The small structure pictured above is Josadong. This is the oldest building on the premise and home to three portraits of Goryeo dynasty portraits of the monks Naong (c. 1320-1376), Muhak (c. 1327-1405), and Jigong (d. 1363).
I always love the doors on temples. Here are a few good examples.
All in all, it's a great, historic temple to visit. Yeoju itself seems to have a lot to see and I hope I have time to make it back again this summer when thew ether is nicer. Next time you're in the area, be sure to make a stop by!
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