About Magoksa
Magoksa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea. It was established back in 650 A.D. Interestingly, Kim Gu, who later became the president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, was ordained as a monk at this temple before his involvement with the government. After Korea gained independence, he returned to Magoksa and planted a juniper tree, which continues to grow there to this day.
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| A monk of Magoksa walking along the trail in Summer |
(Source: ⓒ한국관광공사 사진갤러리-IR 스튜디오)
The Table of Contents
The Beauty of Magoksa & Location
Interesting Stories of Magoksa
Introduce Templestay in Magoksa
The Beauty of Magoksa & Location
This temple is situated on Mt. Taehwa in Gongju, Chungnam. Magoksa Temple has a nickname, Choon-magok, derived from the word "choon," meaning Spring. It earned this nickname because it looks exceptionally beautiful during the Spring season, adorned with vibrant and colorful flowers. In Spring, as you walk from the first parking lot, which has many shops, to Magoksa temple, you'll be greeted by a lovely row of cherry blossoms lining the street. If you time your visit just right, you can enjoy a stroll under a rain of cherry blossom petals. However, this region showcases distinct four seasons, so no matter when you visit, you'll experience the temple's unique beauty blending harmoniously with nature.
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| Parts of Magoksa covered with snow in Winter |
Interesting Stories of Magoksa
The main building of Magoksa Temple, called Daeungbojeon Hall, has pillars made of bush clover trees. These pillars carry an intriguing story that has been passed down through generations. The tale goes like this: When someone passes away and stands before King Yeomra in the underworld, the King asks, "How many times have you circled the bush clover pillars at Magoksa Tmeple?" The reason behind this question is that the more circles you've made, the closer you are to reaching paradise. If someone admits to not circling the pillar at all, the are believed to descend into hell. Legend has it that if those who desired a son in their lifetime would turn around the bush clover pillar at Magoksa, they could have a son. This legend was made by someone who wanted more people to be closer to paradise. Because if those who desired a son turn around the pillar, they could have more chances to be closer to paradise. Even today, you can see the polished and stained surface of the pillar, marked by the handprints of many women who wish for a son, reflecting trhe enduring belief and tradition.
There's another fascinating story associated with Daegwngbojeon Hall in Magoksa Temple. It's about a man who was crippled and began weaving a reed mat to offer to the Buddha. He fervently paryed that if he could regain the ability to stand and walk, he would lead a life of charity even after death. As the 100th day of his prayers approached, the crippled man felt deep shame, realizing his presumptuous wish. He became saddened, understanding that his sins were immense and that he needed to accumulate immeasurable virtue.
Through his prayers to the Buddha over the past 100 days, the man discovered the power of repentance. He learned to value a single flower by the roadside more than his own ability to walk, and he became grateful for simply being alive. On the 100th day, when he completed weaving the reed mat, he dragged his aching legs, crawled before the Buddha, and bowed with a heart full of gratitude. When he walked out of the temple hall, he was unware that he was actually walking. It happened naturally.
Inspired by this experience, the once-crippled man made a resolution to spread the Buddha's mercy to all living beings in the world. He committed himself to a life of sharing and compassion, striving to bring kindness and mercy to others.
By the way, each architecture in Magoksa Temple has its own intriguing stories. The Korean website of Magoksa shares these stories, but unfortunately, the English website doesn't provide any of them.
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| Magoksa in Automn |
(Source: ⓒ한국관광고사 사진갤러리-김지호)
Introduce Templestay in Magoksa
Magoksa Temple offers templestay programs, including five different types. Let me tell you about one of the experiential programs. In this program, you can join monks in Magoksa, a temple with a history of over 1700 years, and immerse yourself in daily ascetic practices. It's a chance to reflect on yourself and experience traditional Korean culture. Please note that the yoga experience is available only when there are at least 20 participants, and if you need to cancel, a refund of 10,000 won (around $9 USD) is possible.
During the templestay, regardless of gender, three people will share one room. If you prefer to have a room to yourself, an additional charge of 30,000 won (around $25 USD) per night applies. The rooms have fans but not air conditioning. Since the temple is nestled in the mountains, the fan is usually sufficient even during summer. However, I'd recommend bringing mosquito repellent just in case.
Check-in time is at 15:00, and the cost per adult is 70,000 won (around $60 USD), with seprate fees for minors. For more details, please visit the Magoksa Temple Stay website.
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| A stream around Magoksa in Automn |
(Source: ⓒ한국관광고사 사진갤러리-김지호)
