This is Jijangjeon Hall where they enshrine Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. As a Bodhisattva similar with Gaea, earth-godess, and Demeter in Greek mythology, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is one offshoot that is related to East Asian Yogacara, which was used to be popular in the period of United Silla.
I've been to countless temples on my trips but there are so many offshoots when it comes to Buddhism cultures related to history that might confuse you. 'Merciful Buddha!' written on the rock hidden the trees on the street in Jijangjeon Hall does not solve everything either.
We went downstairs a little further through Botaru that looks quite empty. Before we noticed it, the sun was not visible 'cause it passed top of the mountain.
Under Botaru, there was Gwaneum Pond that is filled with lotus which is related to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy so I couldn't expect blue and green views since it was cold winter. You might be able to see fully-bloomed lotus in June-July.
When you right pass Gwaneum Pond, you'll see a temple that looks like an exotic temple. This is the exhibition area built to commemorate the Buddhism monk Uisang from Silla dynasty who built Naksansa.
As we entered, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy embroidered on high ceiling attracted our eyes and there were so many paintings and writings displayed around the area.
Among them, you might notice something that was one of popular questions in history test back in school. 'HwaeumIlseungBeopgyedo' that Buddhism monk Uisang made who brought Hwaom-jong into vogue. This table starts at Beop(法; law), turns around a few times and ends up with Bul(佛;Buddha) letter.
And if you repeat that shape, this seal shape shows up. The shape itself is mysterious but its content is more creative and mysterious.
Plus, for its long history, there are pieces of ceramics found here and displayed in Uisang Monument. But they didn't impress me much because none of them were a whole.
However, the remains of Naksansa bronze bell (Treasure No. 479) attracted me more that was lost in the fire in 2005. That enormous bell melted in a fire and left this.
This is the way to Uisangdae from Uisang Monument. You might not notice if you don't know but there's one phrase of Zen riddle. “Ask for the way on the way.”
It's simple yet makes you have so many thoughts. But I don't like too complicated things from too much thought. At a time like this, the best way to forget everything is to look at the sea.
We finally arrived at Uisangdae that is known for Gwaneumsong(pine tree), the crooked pine tree on the cliff, and known as the best place for sunrise at Naksansa.
There are several Sesimdae where you can cleanse your soul in Naksansa. And you'll see one along the seashore cliff from Uisangdae and it was impressive that it looked like the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy which made me realize it is indeed a holy place for Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
As I looked back suddenly it got darker under Uisangdae on seashore cliff. We'd better hurry.
Hongnyeonam Rock located in the the deepest place in Naksansa. There's a story that the Buddhism monk Uisang built this temple as he saw the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy on red lotus.
Unlike the legend, there seems to be nothing special about this small temple but the scenery was amazing. As we were standing in the small yard in front of the gate, we could see rough waves of east sea below the cliff under our feet.
But the fish hung under the eaves looked friendly. We were also relieved that we came to see the innermost place in Naksansa before the sun set.
The street lamps started to turn on one by one as we were going up, and this road seems to worth to walk along with the sound of waves even when it gets completely dark.
As we looked at Mt. Seorak from Obongsan hill, the places we'd been that day started to come to mind. Now it's time to eat something in downtown because all we ate was snacks due to tight schedule.
Leaving the last destination of our trip at Naksansa on Mt. Obong in Yangyang, we took the bus to Sokcho downtown.
Address : 100, Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
Telephone : 033-672-2448
Admission Fee : Adult3,000 won / Adolescent1,500 won / Child1,000 won
Website : click
