Recent Posts, Posted by Matt in ALL DESTINATIONS,Buddhist Temples,Jeju, 11 Comments

Jeju Island’s Yakcheonsa Buddhist Temple

There’s undoubtedly something special about centuries-old temples. But despite its youth (built in the 1990s), Yakcheonsa temple (약천사), on Jeju Island‘s southern coast, is also worthy of a visit. It was built in the style of Joseon Dynasty-era structures and named after a medicinal stream it was supposedly built over.

From Korea’s Amazing Jeju Island

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Covering an area of 122,100 square meters, Yakcheonsa temple is Jeju Island‘s second largest temple complex, although the four-story (28 meters high) main prayer hall claims to be Asia’s largest. Standing beside it, the boast seems likely. The hall is truly massive. In fact, each level appears to bend slightly under the temple’s sheer weight.

Although I’m more of a fan of the faded murals of temples like North Jeolla Province’s Geumsansa temple (금산사) or North Chungcheong Province’s Beopjusa temple (법주사), Yakcheonsa temple‘s freshly painted frescoes do a fine job of illustrating the detail and vibrance of Korean temple painting.

Like most Korean Buddhist temples, Yakcheonsa is welcoming to foreigners and non-Buddhists, alike. On my visit, a woman welcomed me inside and encouraged me to photograph the Buddhas (a no-no in some countries). It was nice to have my “run” of the place. The three seated Buddhas rest on a marvelous throne flanked by mustached dragons wound around golden pillars. The 5-meter-high Buddha of Cosmic Light (at the center), sits atop a 4-meter base.
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From Korea’s Amazing Jeju Island

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Two wooden staircases provide public access to the 2nd and 3rd levels and feature illustrated stories. On the second floor, a prayer room is positioned opposite the Buddhas. The room’s ceiling is covered in lanterns, lending a pink glow to everything. On the third floor, thousands upon thousands of small white and gold seated Buddha figurines circle the floor in orderly rows. Both upper levels feature open-air balconies from which you can get a better look at the main altar.

Outside, a large grassy plaza in front of the hall is surrounded by small stone elephants. At the edge are two pavilions, one contains a huge drum, while the other holds an 18-ton bronze bell. There are other structures on the Yakcheonsa temple compound, as well as a small shrine inside artificial cave named Gulbupdang (굴법당). Additionally, scores of orange trees and palms lend a tropical feel to the grounds. In a few weeks, a small area at the base of Yakcheonsa temple will become a waist-high field of yellow rapeseed blossoms. And just beyond is where the West Sea (Yellow Sea) and East China Sea meet.

If you’re considering a visit, Yakcheonsa temple is easily reached from Seogwipo (서귀포), on Jeju Island‘s southern coast. If you visit the temple around sunset, you can hear evening chants, and watch as the bright lights of squid boats appear on the horizon. It’s certainly a lovely combination..
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For your information…

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	Sunrise to sunset		Free Admission		064-1330
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	Jeju-do Seogwipo-si Ieodo-ro 293-28		From Jeju International Airport (Bus Stop #1), take bus #600. Get off at the Yakcheonsa Temple bus stop and walk 300m.		website
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