Heungguksa (Yeosu)

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Heungguksa means “Temple of Flourishing Kingdom”. Heungguksa was first built in 1196 to fulfill a monk’s prophecy. The prophecy stated that if a temple was built on the grounds that Heungguksa now occupies, the nation would flourish. The temple was completely destroyed by the Mongol invasion during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). After some of the temple buildings were rebuilt after this invasion, they were destroyed once more during the Imjin War in 1592 and 1597. Heungguksa was rebuilt again in 1642.

First gate is Iljumun at the entrance followed by a grouping of twelve stupas. Further along, and just before you pass through the Cheonwangmun (gate), is a turtle-based stele that dates back to 1703 where the history of the temple’s reconstruction is inscribed on the body.

Inside the Cheonwangmun are the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. To the left of the gate is the temple’s museum housing an 18th-century Gwaebul painting of Nosanabul (The Perfect Body Buddha). The museum is adjoined to the bell pavilion that has a collection of Buddhist percussion instruments.

Straight ahead of the Cheonwangmun, and just before the temple courtyard, is the Beopwangmun (gate). Originally constructed in 1624, the interior of this gate is large and open. Bonghwangru is a ritual hall built in 1645.

Inside the main temple courtyard is Daeungjeon, the main hall of Heungguksa, dating back to 1624. In front of the main hall is a turtle based stone lantern, as well as some decorative stairs that lead up to the main hall. Inside on the main altar is a triad of statues centered by Seokgamonibul (Historical Buddha) joined by Mireukbul (Future Buddha) and Jaehwagarabul (Past Buddha). These statues date back to 1628-1644. The main altar painting behind the statues dates back to 1693. In the back left corner is a historic all-white image of Gwanseeumbosal.

To the right of the main hall is Myeongbujeon (hall). Inside the Ten Kings of the Underworld, as well as a green-haired statue of Jijangbosal (Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) reside. These statues date back to the 17th century with paintings of the worlds that the Ten Kings rule over in the afterlife, behind.

To the rear of the main hall is Buljojeon (hall), housing some ancient artifacts from the temple. To the rear of Buljojeon are a pair of halls. Passing under a low lying entry gate, the first of the two halls is Palsangjeon housings the eight murals of the Buddha’s Life. To the left of the Palsangjeon is Nahanjeon housing paintings of the Nahan.

Toward the back of the temple grounds is Wontongjeon, housing a multi-arm and headed statue of Gwanseeumbosal, built in 1633. Just below Wontongjeon is Yongwangdang (shrine) that houses a dragon-spout well, as well as two stone relief's dedicated to Gwanseeumbosal and Yongwang (Dragon King).

Within the compound are Wontongjeon, Palsangjeon, and Daeungjeon (Main Hall). The temple’s main hall (Treasure #396) is open in its structure and equipped with Korean traditional doors. A Buddhist painting named Hubultaenghwa is designated as Treasure #578. At the entrance to the temple is a rainbow-shaped stone bridge called Honggyo Bridge (Treasure #563), which is widely known as a distinguished work of art.

Cultural Property Materials #38