- Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong 1 (il) -dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Year of foundation: 794
- Confession: Buddhism
- Condition: active
One of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in South Korea is the Temple of Ponyns (Bongeunsa Temple). It is located in the heart of Seoul and stands out for its historic architecture against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers .
general information
The monastery was built by the order of King Wonsong in 794. The monk Yon Khiv was engaged in construction and arrangement of the Ponynsa temple. Originally the monastery was called Kenseung, it was the most important shrine in the era of the state of Silla.
When the Joseon Dynasty came to power, Buddhism in South Korea was strongly suppressed, but the monarch's temple was not touched. In 1498 the monastery was reconstructed and received a modern name. The very word "Ponynsa" means an act of worship to the king (implied Sonjong).
In 1939, a large fire occurred on the territory of the temple, which destroyed most of the buildings and destroyed other structures. True, pilgrims and local residents almost immediately restored the shrine. Today the Ponyns temple belongs to the Order of Joggy - this is the largest Buddhist community in the country.
Description of sight
The entrance to the monastery brings visitors to the world of antiquity and magic. At the main gate of tourists meets a fish, symbolizing relief from suffering and freedom. In the courtyard you will be met by sacred sculptures, to which pilgrims bring water, cereals and flowers.
The entire territory of the Ponyns temple is decorated with a huge number of air lanterns hovering in the sky. They can be of different colors, have the form of animals and vegetables. Such decorations denote prosperity, cordiality and kindness. They can be attached to paper with the names of people you want health.
On the facade of the temple of Ponyns is a famous symbol of Buddhism - a lotus flower. At the corners of the building are small bells, their tongues have the shape of a fish. They call "wake up" their visitors by calling, they call for enlightenment and fill the surrounding world with magic. On the territory of the monastery are such objects:
- traditional summerhouses;
- garden of stones;
- pagodas;
- exotic trees with fragrant flowers (cherry, camellia, plumeria, etc.);
- 20 temple buildings;
- source with healing water.
The main pride is the statue of Buddha, whose height is 23 m. The monastery houses 3479 scriptures, presented in 13 variations. The most famous author is Kim Jong-hi.
Features of visit
Every year on September 9th, according to the lunar calendar, the Chonbuebs ceremony takes place in the Ponins temple. At this time, you can see a real march of monks, who carry the sacred writings on their heads and narrate the guests about religious rites.
All visitors can stay for free for lunch, as well as participate in a variety of trainings. You need to register on them in advance, the program is called templestay. You will learn to glue lanterns, meditate and allow you to communicate with the guru.
Anyone can go to the site of the Ponynsa temple. The entrance is free. You can walk here everywhere, and take pictures and shoot video - only in the courtyard. In prayer rooms it is better not to do this so as not to distract the believers.
Pilgrims are sitting here on the floor in a lotus pose on special pads. Some of them read religious books, while others - they meditate. Everyone can join them. To enter such premises it is necessary only barefoot, with the closed knees and elbows.
How to get to the Ponins Temple in Seoul?
To answer the question of how to get to the Ponyns monastery, it should be said that the monastery is on the slope of the Sudo Mountain , not far from the MOEX trade center. From the city center, it can be reached by buses Nos. 2415, 5530, 4318. The stop is called Jamsil Station. The journey will take up to 30 minutes.