Oeosa (오어사) (Pohang)

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Oeosa was first established in 602 during the Silla Period under King Jinpyeong’s reign (579 CE to 632 CE). In its very first incarnation it was called Hangsasa. The temple gained its present name from a very interesting story that involves the monks Hyegong and Wonhyo. One day, while attempting to revive two fish that had been swimming in the neighboring lake, one of the two fish came back to life. Both monks claimed that they were the one to revive the fish, so from that day forward the temple came to be known as Oeosa: My Fish Temple.

Immediately when entering the temple grounds, just past the parking lot, is the bell pavilion. A large Brahma bell sits in the center of the pavilion adorned with beautiful Biseon and a rather uniquely, and gnarly, wooden fish gong.

To the immediate right of the bell pavilion is the temple’s fountain that has a small stone monk sitting at the head of the fountain. To the right of the fountain is Nahanjeon where a collection of golden Nahan statues surrounding a large triad of statues centered by Seokgamonibul (The Historical Buddha).

Next to the Nahanjeon is the Samseonggak with beautiful landscape paintings around the exterior walls. Inside, and sitting in the center of the main altar, is a rather long painting dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars). To the right is a painting of Dokseong (The Recluse), and to the left is a painting of Yongwang (The Dragon King). Looking closely at this painting the bubbled golden skin of the dragon can be seen in the Yongwang painting. To the left the Sansingak houses a painting of a ferocious tiger.

The main hall at Oeosa, Daeungjeon, sits in the center of the temple courtyard, and not at the back of the grounds, as is typical. Daeungjeon dates back to 1741, and it’s surrounded on all sides by Shimudo, Ox-Herding, murals. To the left sit the monks’ dorms, visitors’ center, and temple kitchen.

The temple’s museum houses the purported hat of Wonhyodaesa, as well as a bronze bell that dates back to 1216. In November 1995, the Bronze Bell at Oeosa was discovered during the construction of a reservoir in front of Oeosa.

This bronze bell was cast in 1216. Sunseongdaesa at Donghwasa in Daegu was in charge of casting the bell, and the responsible caster of the bell was Sungwang. Engraved on the surface of the bell are celestial maidens flying in the sky.

The Bronze Bell at Oeosa is regarded as one of the masterpieces cast in the “Goryeo period, now preserved at Oedsa.

Bronze Bell at Oeosa is Treasure No. 128.