Ganggyeong #5 - Mireuksa Temple Site

Ganggyeong #5 - Mireuksa Temple Site - (Korea Tour)

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Last Modified : 2017/02/18

Travel regions : South Korea

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Start
Ganggyeong Daeheung market
Minae Bridges
Iksan Prison Filming Site
Hamrasan Mountain Sungnimsa Temple
Mireuksa Temple Site
Twin Tombs
Haebaragi restaurant
Ganggyeong Station
Ganggyeong Catholic Church
Jukrim Seowon
Imrijeong
Ganggyeong Ongnyeobong Peak
Finish

The next destination was Mireuksa Temple Site, the heart of Iksan. It was the first time to visit here during the trip to Iksan.

“Mireuksa Temple Site is located in Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk. It is well matched with the nature, and its architecture style is perfect. Human being can find out a principle based on a theory. However, it is hard to express the theory in an archtecture. Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju expresses the world of Hwaom based on “the Avatamska Sutra”. For this reason, Bulguksa Temple was called as the Great Avatamska Sutra Bulguksa Temple. Moreover, Bell of King Seongdeok symbolizes the truth of Hwaom. Maitreya ideology was prosper in the period of the Three States. Even though it was popular ideology, few documents have been passed down. But Mireuksa Temple Site has a number of materials.

The part of “Baekje's 30th King Mu” in “The Heritage of the Three States” says: One day, King Mu and his queen met Maitreya at a pond in Yongwhasan mountain. So they stopped and bowed down to him. The queen wanted to establish a big temple in the place, so the King allowed it. He asked the monk Jimyeong of Sajasa temple to fill in a pond. Later on, Mireuksa Temple was established with a Buddhist sanctum, a tower and a hall.

Mireuksa Temple was built based on the special thinking of Baekje people. They hoped the world where every people are equal. Now Mireuksa Temple is a ruin. However, Mireuksa Temple still keeps the wish for the Maitreya world just like 1400 years ago. [Naver encyclopedia] Mireuksa Temple Site of Iksan(1)

Mireuksaji stone pagoda and Flagpole Support, the relics of Mireuksaji

Mireuksaji has two relics. One is Mireuksaji stone pagoda and the other is Flagpole Support. Mireuksaji stone pagoda is No. 11 national treasure, and 14.24 meters. It is the oldest and the largest stone pagoda in Korea. The front side of the stone pagoda is destroyed, so only six floors have remain. It is assumed that it was originally nine floors.It was found out that the eastern pagoda was originally a stone pagoda, not a wooden one. Two pagodas were arranged two sides. The eastern pagoda was restored nine floors(27.67m) in 1993 after the research. It is known that it is the oldest stone pagoda in Korea based on its architectural style. Flagpole Support is a pillar built to support a flagpole. Flagpole Support of Mireuksaji is 395cm and No. 236 treasure. It is assumed that it was established before the middle of the period of united Silla. Two pillars face each other in the southern side of Mireuksaji stone pagoda. [Naver encyclopedia] Mireuksa Temple Site of Iksan (UNESCO's World Heritage Sites)

Mireuksa Temple Site is so huge and peaceful. Maybe it is because it has various the large area of the Buddhist architectures and stone pagoda. It is not good to visit at 1 p.m. So I planned to look around other places, and go back around the sunset.

Mireuksaji stone pagoda is under reconstruction. So admission fee is free. I want to feel the spirit of Mireuksaji Buddha after the completion.

This is the World Heritage.

In fact, Iksan has a lot of historic sites. Whanggoong-ri and Ssangryeung are the same.

This is a miniature of Mireuksa Temple Site. I think that it was really dignified site.

This is a gallery of the relics of Mireuksa Temple Site. It was discovered by Japanese in the Japanese colonial era, and constructed by them. It was open to the public about 20 years ago. I remember that. I am glad that the site is properly reconstructed.

This is “Chimi”, the beautiful geometrical structure at the end of a roof.

This is Five-story Stone Pagoda of Jeongnimsa Temple Site, which is often shown in history test. You would like it after recognizing it.

I am going to head to Mireuksa pagoda after getting out of the relic exhibition hall.

The pieces during Dismantling Process are piled up. It would be hard to dismantle and restore the building.

You can see the restoring process on the second floor. The workers are measuring and discussing each other. I want them to restore the original shape of Mireuksa Temple Site.

I can see the new pagoda beyond the window. However, even though Mireuksaji tower is restored, its backside will be not perfect. I saw Temple of Parthenon in Greece, but not all part was made of new marble. It would be weird if it is all new. Mireuksaji is the same.

The dismantled stone pieces are arranged neatly. I believe they will be relocated over the short haul.

NIKON Df | f/8.0 | iso 100 | 2016:05:28 14:00:16 | Flash did not fire. | 22mm

There are two beautiful small ponds. They are the perfect rest area for lovers. But there are few people even though it is free. It is more wonderful place than STARBUCKS, though.