Temple Information
Magoksa
Unesco Temple
Temple for foreigner
Address : 966 Magoksa-ro, Sagok-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do 32520 South Korea
Tel :
010-7110-6226
Taehwasan Magoksa: The Head Temple of the 6th District of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
When visiting a Buddhist temple, one typically passes through several gates, such as Iljumun (One-Pillar Gate), Haetalmun (Liberation Gate), Bulimun (Non-Duality Gate), and Sacheonwangmun (Four Heavenly Kings Gate), before encountering the pagoda. Behind the pagoda, a large Dharma hall is usually situated, flanked by various temple buildings. However, Magoksa differs slightly from other temples.
After passing through Iljumun, visitors encounter several buildings. This unique layout is due to the Magokcheon Stream, which runs through the middle of the temple. The northern area was initially developed, but expansion was hindered by surrounding mountains. Consequently, the southern part of Magoksa developed distinctively.
This area includes Yeongsanjeon (Hall of Vulture Peak), Heungseongru Pavilion, Suseonsa and Maehwadang (the monks’ meditation halls), Myeongbujeon (Hall of the Underworld), Sansingak (Mountain Deity Shrine), Gunwangdae (Royal Site), Haetalmun, and Sacheonwangmun.
Yeongsanjeon (Treasure)
This Dharma hall, located at the center of the southern complex, is also called Cheonbuljeon (a thousand Buddha Hall). Inside, 1,000 Buddha statues are enshrined: seven large statues (the Seven Buddhas of the Past) at the front and 993 smaller ones behind them.
Heungseongru Pavilion
Opposite Yeongsanjeon, this pavilion features an open structure with one wall missing, creating a spacious and airy atmosphere.
Suseonsa and Maehwadang
Flanking Heungseongru, these meditation quarters for monks are restricted to the public.
Myeongbujeon (Hall of the Underworld)
This hall symbolizes the realm where the deceased are judged before their next life. Visitors may freely enter to pray for the departed.
Sansingak (Mountain Deity Shrine)
A five-minute walk up the mountain path from Myeongbujeon leads to Sansingak. Unlike typical shrines depicting a single elderly mountain deity, Magoksa’s Sansingak uniquely portrays an elderly deity couple and two tigers.
Gunwangdae (Royal Site)
A ten-minute hike from Sansingak brings visitors to Gunwangdae, one of Korea’s ten most auspicious geomantic sites mentioned in Yi Jung-hwan’s Taekniji (a Joseon-era geography text). It is believed to channel positive energy to Yeongsanjeon, attracting pilgrims seeking blessings.
Main Halls and Treasures
After crossing Geungnakgyo (Bridge of Paradise) past Haetalmun and Sacheonwangmun, Beomjongru (Bell Pavilion) appears on the right. Behind it are accommodation and Gwaneumjeon (Avalokitesvara Hall). A stairway between them leads to the dining hall (Huwon) and restroom (Haewuso).
Straight ahead from Geungnakgyo stand the Five-Story Stone Pagoda (National Treasure), Daegwangbojeon (Treasure), and Daeungbojeon (Treasure).
To the left are Eungjinjeon (Hall of Arhats), Baekbeomdang, and Josajeon (Founder’s Hall).
Five-Story Stone Pagoda (National Treasure)
Topped with a Geumdongbotap (Gilded Bronze Pagoda), this pagoda reflects Yuan Dynasty Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
Baekbeomdang
This hall commemorates Kim Gu, an independence activist who hid here after escaping from prison. He later became a monk under the name “Wonjong.”
Sakbalbawi (Tonsure Rock)
Upstream along Magokcheon Stream lies the rock where Kim Gu shaved his head to ordain.
Treasures at Magoksa
Magoksa holds National Heritage Administration designated five treasures:
⚬ Five-Story Stone Pagoda (National Treasure)
⚬ Yeongsanjeon (Treasure)
⚬ Daeungbojeon (Treasure)
⚬ Daegwangbojeon (Treasure)
⚬ Hanging Painting of Shakyamuni Buddha (Treasure, displayed in the Magoksa Museum)
Most temple buildings are also protected as national heritage under Korean law.
[Magoksa] Templestay
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Rest-oriented
Free-style
Chungnam,
2025-03-12~
2025-12-30
Reservation
