By Honorary Reporter Zuzanna Klonowska from Poland
Photos = Zuzanna Klonowska

The Buddhist temples of Jogyesa in Seoul, Bulguksa in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and Haedong Yonggungsa in Busan are three of Korea's most famous temples. I have visited each of them. 

But this piece is about a temple off the beaten path.

While visiting Busan, my parents and I on April 25 visited Samgwangsa Temple, whose name literally means "Three-light Temple," on Baegyangsan Mountain in downtown Busan. Built in 1969 by the Buddhist monk Beopjeong, this relatively new structure has been expanded over the years to offer ample space for peaceful walks without crowding. 

Situated on a hill, the stunning view is especially beautiful during the annual Lotus Lantern Festival on Buddha's Birthday, a national holiday that falls on May 15 this year, as the lanterns adorning the surroundings create a mesmerizing sight.

Samgwangsa Temple is located in downtown Busan.

Samgwangsa is renowned for putting up 40,000 lanterns during the festival. During our visit, we were the only foreign tourists there and saw just a few Koreans praying and leaving wishes for Buddha. This was great as I prefer quieter places to leisurely stroll and appreciate the surroundings in peace.

The entrance is Iljumun Gate, which symbolizes the boundary between the temple's secular and sacred areas. Passing through this gate is where the spiritual journey begins. The main stone stairs leading to Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) feature Buddhist symbols like the lotus flower for purity and enlightenment, turtle for longevity and stability, and stone lantern to symbolically illuminate one's path.

Honorary Reporter Zuzanna Klonowska poses for a photo on the main stairs leading to Samgwangsa Temple.

Daeungjeon has beautiful wall paintings and the main shrine has three Buddhas inside. Walk on the small forest path for a stunning aerial view of the temple. 

Further along is another shrine on the left. My suggestion is to take the path through the small bamboo forest behind Daeungjeon to reach the Daebotop Pagoda, which has the engravings of 53 Buddhas, 12 zodiac animals and scenes from Buddha's life as well as the relics of Buddhist saints called sari (sarira).

Conclude the visit at Bell Pavilion in front of the pagoda.

Daebotop Pagoda

In addition to leaving a great impression on me, this temple according to my mother is the most gorgeous she saw in Korea. Though visiting Samgwangsa before Buddha's Birthday on May 15 is highly recommended, the temple will still be stunning with its lanterns even after the festival.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.