Okcheonam (Seoul)

Okcheon means a very clear spring. There is a record that the spring water that came out here had medicinal effects, attracting patients. Also, in the Bodogak of Okcheonam, a seated stone-carved Bodhisattva is enshrined. This is also called the Sea Water Gwaneum Statue or the White Buddha of Bodogak. Here, 'Bodo' means 'to save all sentient beings,' referring to the vow of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Therefore, the Sea Water Gwaneum Statue is the most accurate name, and actual records also exist. The name 'White Buddha' seems to originate from records made by foreigners. The seated stone-carved Bodhisattva follows the style of Goryeo Dynasty rock-carved Buddhas, and the earliest record of its formation is in 'Yongjae Chonghwa' (慵齋叢話), where it is called 'Buram' (佛巖). Since the Silla Dynasty, there were influential temples such as Janguisa, Seunggasa, and Sahyeonsa in this area, so it is likely that Bodogak and Okcheonam were founded under their influence. There is a legend that King Taejo Yi Seong-gye of Joseon offered prayers here when he established his capital in Hanyang, a legend that General Gwon Yul fought a battle here during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War), and a legend that the wife of Heungseon Daewongun prayed here for her son King Gojong.

Address: 1-38, Hongjimun-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Hongeun-dong)