Gilsangsa Temple (Seoul)

Gilsangsa Temple is a temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism located at the foot of Samgaksan Mountain in Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Its history began in 1987 when Mrs. Kim Young-han, moved by the spirit of non-possession and simple living of Monk Beopjeong, donated a site of about 7,000 pyeong and over 40 buildings. Monk Beopjeong registered it as Daebeopsa Temple in 1995, and it was founded under the name Gilsangsa Temple on December 14, 1997. Gilsangsa Temple boasts various buildings and facilities including Geungnakjeon Hall, Seolbeopjeon Hall, Jijangjeon Hall, Beomjonggak Pavilion, a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Gilsangbo Pagoda, Gilsanghwa Gongdeokbi Stele, and the Portrait Hall of Monk Beopjeong. In Geungnakjeon Hall, Amitabha Buddha is enshrined as the main Buddha, with Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva as attendant bodhisattvas. In 2005, old buildings were renovated to create Jijangjeon Hall and Seonyeoldang (dining hall), and in 2008, Seolbeopjeon Hall and a bell pavilion were newly built, creating a practice space in harmony with nature. Within the temple, a delicate and profound statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, created through the encounter of sculptor Choi Jong-tae, who is both a Buddhist and a Catholic, warmly welcomes many visitors. In 2013, the Portrait Hall was opened, displaying the relics and writings of Monk Beopjeong. Seolbeopjeon Hall operates educational programs such as Buddhist University, Introduction to Buddhism, Yoga, Sutra Copying, and Zen Meditation, fulfilling its role as a center of Buddhist education and practice.