Discovering Gyeongsangbuk do – Gunwi-gun Part 1

Today we shall be heading south of Uiseong to Gunwi-gun where culture and history comes alive. As usual we shall talk about its symbols first before we start with the sightseeing.

• The oval symbol of Gunwi County stands for wide grounds, clean environment and a pleasant garden city.
• The 3 halms stand for the spirit and progress of the people with the Palgong Mountain in the center, symbolizing the future and hope.
• The small oval figure symbolizing the self-governing body of Gunwi County,The white background stands for the clean and pure character of the people of Gunwi county, as well as the harmony and faith of Gunwi.

Flower of Gunwi: Forsythia

• Messenger of spring, blooms before leaves are out.
• The bright yellow flower symbolize vividness and calmness at the same time
• Flower arrangements are possible, grows even on barren soil.
• Grows as a shrub, luxurious, solitary and united.

 
Tree of Gunwi: Zelkova Tree

• Deciduous tree belonging to the family of Elm trees.
• Found in all areas of Gunwi; has deep roots.
• Grows regardless of soil conditions, has strong propagation.

Bird of Gunwi: Gray Heron

• Inhabits river sides, ponds, etc. of the Gunwi area, belongs to the family of Ciconiiformes.
• White body with black feather at shoulders and wings, symbolizes a good sign.
• Migratory bird, lives in areas with many trees and flies south in fall.

Mascot “Jangguni” corresponds with all area names of Gunwi County; as a character of progressive spirit and ambition, he stands for the dream and future of Gunwi County and symbolizes passion and the challenging spirit of Gunwi towards the future.
 
The Gunwisamjonseokgul or the Gunwi Triad Buddha and Grotto,( National Treasure #109) is an artificial cave cut into the rockface 20 meters above a small river. It contains three very beautifully carved Buddhas carved between the 6^th and 8^th centuries and is among Korea’s oldest examples of Buddhist art.
The Gunwi Triad Buddha and Grotto is extremely well preserved probably because it is rather hard to reach. Nowadays there is a marble staircase leading right up to the cave but only the monks are allowed to use it.
This temple served as an inspiration for the more famous and magnificent Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju which was built at least a century later. That is why it is sometimes called the second Seokguram Grotto. 

The centre Buddha image has the solemn bearing characteristics of the Buddhist statues of the Unified Silla period. Its hand sign is Bhumisparsa mudra and its thin robe covers both shoulders. It is seated on the quadrangular pedestal. Both feet are put on the lap with the sole of feet upright, which is the typical cross legged sitting posture. On the baldhead there is a high protrusion. The face is rather large compared with the rest of body and is dignified without looking delicate as shown in the statues of the Three Kingdoms Period.
The flanking Bodhisattvas have slender shape and take the tri-bhanga or "S" curve posture. The refined robe creases and the halo in the shape of jewel beads on the Bodhisattva on the left well demonstrate the realistic sculpturing techniques of the Unified Silla period.
The robe-draped pedestal of the Buddha and the pedestals for the Bodhisattvas with the downward lotus, and the soft engraved lines testify to the symbolic techniques of sculptural works of the Three Kingdoms period.
This work has a high historic value in that it was made in the transition period between the Three Kingdoms Period and the Unified Silla.

The Gunwisamjonseokgulseok jobirojanabuljwasang or Seated Stone Triod Vairocana Buddha Statue in Gunwi, (Tangible Cultural Properties #258) at this temple.

The Gunwisamjonseokgulmojeonseoktap or the Imitation Brick Pagoda (Cultural Properties Materials #241) also at this temple.

Another temple to be found in Gunwi is the Ingaksa Temple, in Hwabuk-ri, Goro-myeon,(Historic Site No.374). This historic site refers to the old temple site of Ingaksa Temple in Gunwi-gun, which  is located at the sedimentary area along the riverside of Wicheon River in the northern mountainside of Mt. Hwasan. The Ingaksa Temple was believed to have been built by the great Buddhist priest Wonhyo during the reign of Queen Seondeok of the Silla Kingdom which later became one of the most famous temples of the Goguryo Kingdom. It was also believed that Ilyeon, the great state mentor, had written the Samgukyusa (one of the 2 remaining history books of the three Kingdoms) during the reign of King Chungnyeol, of the Goguryo Kingdom at this temple. There is no confirmed record as to when it was built. However it is presumed that this temple was built in the last years of the Unified Silla Kingdom because some buildings of the Unified Silla Kingdom were found at the site where the Grand Hall was during the excavation work.

  

The Meditation Hall and two other buildings remain today at the Ingaksa Temple with the "Ingaksabogakguksatap and monument" * in photo below.



The Stele accompanying pagoda of National Preceptor Bogakguksa of Ingaksa Temple (Treasures #428).This pagoda and monument were dedicated to Ilyeon, who was also called Bogakguksa, one of the great religious leaders of the Goguryo Kingdom who became a monk in the 15th year of King Chungnyeol (1289). He showed great devotion to his old mother and produced achievements such as writing the Samgukyusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms).
The octagonal stupa rests on a natural rock, the upper side of which has a steep slope. Animal figures are carved on the middle octagonal pedestal though they are not very clear. Eight lotus petals  are carved on the upper pedestal that is almost rounded at corners. The name of the stupa, Bogakguksa Jeongjositap, is inscribed on the front of the octagonal main stone and a door design is carved on the back of it. The remaining six sides are decorated with the Four Deva Kings and Bodhisattvas standing on the lotus flower. The thick angle rafter of the roof is slowly lifted. The surface of the roof is relatively steep, and decoration of flower sculpture is attached on each edge of the roof. The monument is heavily damaged so that the inscription is almost illegible. However, there is a manuscript of the inscription at Woljeongsa Temple which states that the monument was erected in 1295, the 21st year of the reign of King Chungnyeol.


Gunwihagokdongseokjoyeoraeipsang or the Standing Stone Buddha in Hagok-dong, Gunwi (Tangible Cultural Properties #103 In Hagok-ri, Gunwi-eup) is an outstanding ancient image of Buddha. The robe, which is draped over both shoulders and separated into two parts around the legs to form a concentric oval pattern, is of a style common to the eighth and ninth century Buddhas of the Unified Silla period (668-935). Though its halo and pedestal are missing, the well-balanced body and head and the rendering of the folds of the robe are indicative of the fineness of the image. The image has a round, gentle face, a large usnisa(protuberance on top of the head symbolizing supreme wisdom), and thick, curly hair. The hands are in the mudra, or gesture, of fearlessness and boundless mercy. The fingertips are missing.


The Beopjusa Temple* (Traditional Temple No. GA22) is thought to have been the oldest temple in Gunwi, but the main building has disappeared long ago, leaving only Bogwangmyeongjeon Hall, several smaller structures, like the Millstone (Provincial Folklore Material #112) and a five-storey pagoda (Cultural Property Material #27)
*There is also another temple of the same name in Chungcheongbuk-do in the county of Boeun-gun, so always check on the address and see if it is in Gunwi or Boeun county otherwise it might be the wrong Beopjusa Temple.

The Jibosa Temple in Sanggok-ri, Gunwi-eup is home to the Three Storied Stone Pagoda, Treasure No.682.  The name of this temple, Jibo, means to contain the jewellery. The temple was so named  because it has preserved two precious metal objects, an iron pot, and a bronze incense pot.

There are severe abrasions to the pagoda. However, the pagoda with its splendid decorations is still considered as an excellent work of the early Goguryo Period.

  
Though missing its top, this three-story stone pagoda of Jibosa Temple has been preserved almost intact. The pagoda reflects  well the highly decorative style unique to the late Unified Silla(668-935) and early Goguryo Period (918-1392). In particular, the two tiered base on a stone platform is characteristic of the structural styles of Silla. A stone prop stands on the lower base, with images of lion-like animals carved between the props. The upper base also has a prop carved with the eight deity guardians. A separate stone plate with a lotus pattern forms the stand of the first-storey of the main part, and a miniature temple is inscribed on the first-storey roof which is supported by a four-tiered plate. The pagoda is considered an outstanding work suggestive of the late Silla-early Goryeo style of decorative stone pagodas.

The Standing Stone Buddha in Wiseong-ri(Provincial Tangible Cultural Property #222) is an outstanding example of a local style of sculpture which, although characteristic of the late Unified Silla period(668-918), was created in the early Goryeo period(918-1392).
The impressive figure has a small protuberance on the head, curly hair and a rectangular face with a large nose and tightly closed lips.
The two hands hold a bijou at the chest, a hand gesture which was often found in bodhisattvas of the late Three Kingdoms period(57B.C.-A.D.668).
The body, like the face, is heavyset while the robe which flows from both shoulders is linearly described.
The aureole is divided between the face and the body and is decorated with an arabesque and flame pattern.
The Apgoksa Temple in Nakjeon-ri, Goro-myeon, is home to the Apgoksaseonsayeongjeong or Portrait of Priests in Apgoksa Temple, (Cultural Properties Materials #239). These were the portraits of Buddhist priests Maneundang, Manudang, Bogwangdang, Suwoldang, Uisang, Jeongheodang, Samyeongdang, Nongsandang, and Hyeonamdang.

This is a picture of the Gunwibullorimaaebosaripsang(Rock-Carved standing Buddha Statue in Bullo-ri,Gunwi) Tangible Cultural Properties #265

The Standing Stone Buddha in Daeyul-ri (treasure #988) is enshrined on the round pedestal within the Yonghwajeon Hall at the Daeyulsa Temple, and 2.65m tall. The Usnisa (protrusion on the top of Buddha's head) on the baldhead is low and wide, the face round , eyes and mouth small and the long ears drooping down to the shoulders.
The short but majestic neck has distinct three lines (Samdo) carved on it.
The right hand faces outward to make the posture of the Yeowonin that grants people's wish, but the left hand is especially put on the chest with the palm facing the body.
The robe over both the shoulders forms a U-shape from the chest to belly and knees.
The pleats on the wrist are dignified. It has a somewhat stiff impression, but it expresses well the characteristics of the polished and majestic statue of Buddha in Silla.
You will notice that I have again grouped all the temples and pagodas together. I have a reason for doing it. I thought that it would be easier putting them altogether, so that you can decide which are the ones you want to visit. If you don’t like it this way please let me know and I will change it. So guess that’s all for now.