Korea

buddhist, pilgrimage, korea

  • Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler

    Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • 3-storey stone pagoda, Temple of Haeinsa

    3-storey stone pagoda, Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    3-storey stone pagoda
    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

    The 3-storey stone pagoda is believed to have been built during the 9th century (Silla period) and stands approximately 6 metres high.

  • Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler

    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • 3-storey stone pagoda, Temple of Haeinsa

    3-storey stone pagoda, Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    3-storey stone pagoda
    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Joong-hi Jung

    Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Joong-hi Jung

    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Joong-hi Jung, 2006

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Joong-hi Jung

    Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Joong-hi Jung

    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Joong-hi Jung

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • Gate of Janggyeon Panjeon, Temple of Haeinsa

    Gate of Janggyeon Panjeon, Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Joong-hi Jung, 2006

    Gate of Janggyeong Panjeon, Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Joong-hi Jung, 2006

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • Taejeokkwangjon (main prayer hall), Temple of Haeinsa

    Taejeokkwangjon (main prayer hall), Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    Taejeokkwangjon (main prayer hall)
    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

    Taejeokkwangjon was destroyed by fire and then rebuilt in 1817, with further repairs being carried out in 1971. It contains images of Vairocana (Cosmic Buddha) and attendant bodhisattvas, Manjusri and Samantabhadra.

  • Stone tortoise supporting an edict pillar, Temple of Haeinsa

    Stone tortoise supporting an edict pillar, Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    Stone tortoise supporting an edict pillar
    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • Bell and drum, Temple of Haeinsa

    Bell and drum, Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    Bell and drum
    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • Detail of painted ceiling, Temple of Haeinsa

    Detail of painted ceiling, Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    Detail of painted ceiling
    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • Stone guardians, Temple of Haeinsa

    Stone guardians, Temple of Haeinsa, Korea. Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    Stone guardians
    Temple of Haeinsa, Korea
    Photograph by Lauren Heckler, 2008

    One of the three principal Buddhist temples in Korea, known as the 'Three Jewel Temples', Haeinsa (Temple of Reflection on a Smooth Sea) in South Gyeongsang Province represents the Buddhist teachings (dharma). The oldest part of the temple is Janggyeong Panjeon, wooden storage halls that were constructed to house the Tripitaka Koreana, the most comprehensive collection of Korean Buddhist texts. Engraved on more than 80,000 wooden printing blocks, these texts are dated between 1237 and 1248.

  • Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Carlos Alvarez Zarikian

    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Carlos Alvarez Zarikian, 2008

    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Carlos Alvarez Zarikian, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.

  • Painted eaves, Temple of Pulguksa

    Painted eaves, Temple of Pulguksa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Painted eaves
    Pulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land)
    North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
    Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Pulguksa was first constructed in 535 CE (Silla period). It includes two stone pagodas in the temple courtyard known as Sokkatap and Tapotap. Temple also has two staircases, one to the east (Blue and White Cloud Bridge) and the other to the west (Lotus Flower and the Seven Gems), which symbolise bridges between the secular world and the sacred land of the Buddha.

  • Temple guardians, Pulguksa

    Temple guardians, Pulguksa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Temple guardians
    Pulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land)
    North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
    Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Pulguksa was first constructed in 535 CE (Silla period). It includes two stone pagodas in the temple courtyard known as Sokkatap and Tapotap. Temple also has two staircases, one to the east (Blue and White Cloud Bridge) and the other to the west (Lotus Flower and the Seven Gems), which symbolise bridges between the secular world and the sacred land of the Buddha.

  • Pulguksa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler

    Pulguksa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Pulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land)
    North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
    Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Pulguksa was first constructed in 535 CE (Silla period). It includes two stone pagodas in the temple courtyard known as Sokkatap and Tapotap. Temple also has two staircases, one to the east (Blue and White Cloud Bridge) and the other to the west (Lotus Flower and the Seven Gems), which symbolise bridges between the secular world and the sacred land of the Buddha.

  • Pulguksa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler

    Pulguksa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Pulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land)
    North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
    Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Pulguksa was first constructed in 535 CE (Silla period). It includes two stone pagodas in the temple courtyard known as Sokkatap and Tapotap. Temple also has two staircases, one to the east (Blue and White Cloud Bridge) and the other to the west (Lotus Flower and the Seven Gems), which symbolise bridges between the secular world and the sacred land of the Buddha.

  • Tapotap stone pagoda, Pulguksa

    Tapotap stone pagoda, Pulguksa, Korea. Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Tapotap stone pagoda
    Pulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land)
    North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
    Photograph by Jane E Keeler, 2006

    Pulguksa was first constructed in 535 CE (Silla period). It includes two stone pagodas in the temple courtyard known as Sokkatap and Tapotap. Temple also has two staircases, one to the east (Blue and White Cloud Bridge) and the other to the west (Lotus Flower and the Seven Gems), which symbolise bridges between the secular world and the sacred land of the Buddha.

  • Sokkuram (Seokguram), Korea. Photograph by de:Richardfabi

    Sokkuram (Seokguram), Korea. Photograph by de:Richardfabi, 2005, Wikipedia commons

    Sokkuram (Seokguram)
    Mount Tohamsan, Gyeongju, South Korea
    Photograph by de:Richardfabi, 2005, Wikipedia commons

    Built during the 8th century, close to the temple complex of Pulguksa, the granite cave shrine of Sokkuram was completed in 774 under instruction from Gim Daeseong, a chief minister of the Silla royal court. An arched entrance leads into an antechamber and corridor, decorated with relief carvings of kings and guardian deities. The sanctuary contains a monumental stone statue of the Buddha, 3.5 metres high, seated on a lotus pedestal in earth-touching meditation posture (bhumisparsamudra). The statue is surrounded by carved panels and niches showing images of bodhisattvas, gods and disciples. The ceiling of the cave is decorated with a lotus flower and half moons.

  • Yukkamjong and Uhwagak, Songgwangsa

    Yukkamjong and Uhwagak, Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Kernbeisser, 2008

    Yukkamjong and Uhwagak
    Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Kernbeisser, 2008

    Entry to the temple is via a bridge over a moat which leads into the Uhwa Pavilion.

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Front gate, Songgwangsa

    Front gate, Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Kernbeisser, 2008

    Front gate
    Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Kernbeisser, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Dragon head at Kwanumjon, Songgwangsa

    Dragon head at Kwanumjon, Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Kernbeisser, 2008

    Dragon head at Kwanumjon
    Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Kernbeisser, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Kuksa Hall, Songgwangsa

    Kuksa Hall, Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Kernbeisser, 2008

    Kuksa Hall ('National Priest Hall')
    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Kernbeisser, 2008

    Kuksa Hall is one of the oldest wooden buildings still existing in Korea. Built in the 15th century, it contains the portraits of 16 famous priests who came from the temple.

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Paul Bailey

    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Stone guardian, Temple of Songgwangsa

    Stone guardian, Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    Stone guardian
    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Painted eaves, Temple of Songgwangsa

    Painted eaves, Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    Painted eaves
    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Wooden fish and drum, Temple of Songgwangsa

    Wooden fish and drum, Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    Wooden fish and drum
    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Paul Bailey

    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Paul Bailey

    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea. Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    Temple of Songgwangsa, Korea
    Photograph by Paul Bailey, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples, Songgwangsa ('Spreading Pine Temple') in South Jeolla Province represents the Buddhist community (sangha). Founded by the monk Chinul in the late 12th century, the Zen temple of Songgwangsa is located on Jogye Mountain.

  • Detail of painted eaves and pillars of the gateway, Temple of Tongdosa

    Detail of painted eaves and pillars of the gateway, Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    Detail of painted eaves and pillars of the gateway
    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.

  • Gateway, Temple of Tongdosa

    Gateway, Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    Gateway
    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.

  • Ocheungseoktap (5-storey stone pagoda), Temple of Tongdosa

    Ocheungseoktap (5-storey stone pagoda), Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    Ocheungseoktap (5-storey stone pagoda)
    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.

  • Monks at the entrance to Daeungjeon Hall, Temple of Tongdosa

    Monks at the entrance to Daeungjeon Hall, Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    Monks at the entrance to Daeungjeon Hall
    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.

  • Daeungjeon Hall, Temple of Tongdosa

    Daeungjeon Hall, Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    Daeungjeon Hall
    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.

  • Gateway, Temple of Tongdosa

    Gateway, Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    Gateway
    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Andi F Yahya, 2007

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.

  • Ocheungseoktap (5-storey stone pagoda), Temple of Tongdosa

    Ocheungseoktap (5-storey stone pagoda), Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Carlos Alvarez Zarikian, 2008

    Ocheungseoktap (5-storey stone pagoda)
    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Carlos Alvarez Zarikian, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.

  • Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Christopher John SSF

    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Christopher John SSF, 2008

    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Christopher John SSF, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.

  • Gateway guardian, Temple of Tongdosa

    Gateway guardian, Temple of Tongdosa, Korea. Photograph by Christopher John SSF, 2008

    Gateway guardian
    Temple of Tongdosa, Korea
    Photograph by Christopher John SSF, 2008

    One of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Tongdosa (meaning 'pass into enlightenment') represents the Buddha. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, it was founded in 646 CE by the monk Jajang. This Zen temple is the largest in Korea, with many pavilions, pagodas and stone lanterns. It is often referred to as a 'relic temple' as there are no statues of the Buddha at Tongdosa. However, a number of treasures and holy relics are kept here, including the Buddha's robe, his begging bowl and bone fragments.